COLCHESTER has lost out to Chelmsford for the second time in a month - this time in a board game.

Monopoly announces today the Essex city is the latest place to have its own version of the classic game.

Chelmsford was announced as England’s newest city in March when the town was picked to mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee, above Colchester which also bid for the honour.

Winning Moves, who manufacture the game under licence from Hasbro, said several Essex places were in the final running for their own board with the final decision coming down to a roll of the dice.

Colchester came second in the final cut.

Mark Hauser, commercial director, said: “Chelmsford’s city status perhaps tilted the balance in the end.

“The county is blessed with wonderful landmarks and we are very sure in years to come Colchester – and maybe some more – will pass GO as well.”

The makers also revealed Clacton had been shortlisted for the award.

An Essex edition of the game was produced in 2001.