A GUIDE book helping visitors understand the rich history behind Colchester Castle has won a top award.

The keep's guide came out on top in the Best Guide Book category at the Association of Cultural Enterprise best product awards, ahead of entries from Hever Castle in Kent and the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth.

The book is co-authored by Philip Wise and Tom Hodgson from Colchester & Ipswich Museums and details 2,000 years of collections of national and international importance and is on sale for £6.

Heritage manager Mr Wise said: "We wanted to produce something which was visually appealing and would enhance the visitor experience when viewing the displays.

"We also find overseas students at Essex University are keen to send it to their families.

"It's a real keepsake which is a treasure in itself."

Colchester council's culture boss Tim Young (Lab) said: "It's an award which is richly deserved and a great tribute to our outstanding team who has made it the success it is. It's a showpiece of what we are able to offer visitors to our cultural and heritage sites.”

A heritage guide book dedicated to the town's wider history is due to be launched this summer.