Colchester could have a close contender in its bid for city status - its neighbouring town Wivenhoe.

Town councillor Chris Thompson has offered to put together a draft submission for the town to use in a bid for city status.

In a letter to town councillors Mr Thompson said he has made initial enquiries and there are no formal criteria which have to be met by towns applying for the status.

Mr Thompson said: "The town council represents a community with exceptional qualities, with a very strong sense of its own identity, and a range of voluntary organisations of probably unparalleled breadth for its size.

"Our history, our long record of self-government, our maritime connections and the presence of the University of Essex within our boundaries (rather than those of Colchester) give Wivenhoe at least as good a claim to make as any other actual or potential applicant community."

Colchester Council recently reversed a decision against bidding for city status and agreed to proceed with the bid which is due to be submitted by September 1.

The Queen will designate two new cities as part of celebrations to mark the new millennium.

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