A MAJOR clean-up of Clacton town centre has taken place ahead of the school summer holidays.

Staff at Tendring Council have been pressure-washing pavements, tackling weeds and sprucing up the town centre before the peak summer season begins.

The work comes on top of the regular cleaning duties carried out by the council.

It been funded by the 'Love Clacton' campaign, which is made up of the council and key tourism businesses such as Clacton Pavilion and the pier.

Promotional banners are also being put up, while shops are being given Love Clacton stickers to display.

Street entertainment is also being planned over the summer months.

Council leader Neil Stock said: “As one of the key resorts in Tendring, and one without its own town council, it is important that we all pull together to show we Love Clacton.

“This clean-up will help make the town look spick and span for the summer for both visitors and residents alike, and help instil some pride in Clacton.”

Pier boss Billy Ball said: “We, through Love Clacton, are keen to support this initiative.

"Visitors to Clacton Pier come through the town centre, by car or on foot having taken a train, so it is just as important to us that the whole town looks great.”

Pavilion and Magic City MD Billy Peak said the new promotional material would present a unified look for the town.

“This is a good backdrop for the new Clacton town centre working group to build from once they start exploring ways of improving the area,” he said.

“Together, we can do great things for Clacton.”