HARWICH is to host commissioners from Historic England this Friday with hopes that the visit will help promote the town's historical legacy.

Historic England is the government’s advisor on the country’s historic environments.

It protects and champions history, including a list of at-risk sites.

Harwich councillor Garry Calver said it was a "big day" for the town.

“I have been told that when commissioners from Historic England normally visit a town, three or four of them will attend, and report back to the office, normally doing four or five locations in the day," he said.

“We have all got all 14 commissioners and their senior management board for the entire day in Harwich.”

Mr Calver said the 29-strong delegation will visit the Leading Lights project in Dovercourt Bay as well as the Guildhall, particularly for its 18th Century Carvings Room.

The group will be shown around the town by Harwich Society guides.

Town mayor Pam Morrison and Mr Calver will also be on hand to escort the visitors.

Meetings will be held at the end of the day behind closed doors and there will also be a meeting with Tendring Council chief executive Ian Davidson.