A DASH of colour will greet visitors who venture into Colchester town centre after a shopping centre installed a bright ceiling.

Culver Square shopping centre, in Colchester, has put a ceiling of colour in place to welcome shoppers.

It has been installed as a means of saying thank you to the town's NHS staff and key workers.

Dave Robertson, centre manager at Culver Square, said the display also serves as a "symbol of hope for the brighter future ahead."

During lockdown the rainbow has become a symbol of gratitude for the NHS.

Mr Robertson said: “As our stores are reopening and people beginning to emerge from isolation, what better way to welcome the community back to the centre than with a stunning uplifting rainbow with a dual meaning.

“The umbrella installation in partnership with Colchester Council last year proved extremely popular and was a great way to make our shoppers smile.

"We wanted to create that same impact again this year and a rainbow seemed like the obvious choice.

"After all, the saying is ‘There is a rainbow of hope after every storm’ which is exactly what we want to give our community - hope.”

The ceiling of colour can be found in Shewell Walk and will be on display throughout the summer.