STATE-OF-THE-ART technology is being used to photograph and record Colchester's historic Roman Wall for the first time in its history.

Using cutting-edge 3D imaging Colchester Council is producing a high-resolution, digital record of the wall as part of its Better Colchester campaign.

The technology helps provide a fast, compact and extremely accurate survey of the wall, which is the oldest and longest surviving town wall in the UK.

Leading specialist Professor Dominic Powlesland, who has received the British Academy Landscape Archaeology Medal, is working with the council on the project along with photography students from Colchester Institute.

Once the project is complete, the students will host an exhibition of their recordings.

Prof Powlesland said: "Having lived in Colchester as a child, I am delighted to be involved in a project which will document the internationally important surviving Roman walls.

“I hope that by using the latest methods to create precise digital 3D models and the collaboration between Colchester Institute and the council will lead to new insights and ideas about the cultural role of these magnificent structures.

“To many, they must just seem like ruins, rather than surviving elements of a thriving and magnificent Roman city re-establishing its presence after the Boudiccan revolt, 1959 years or 65 generations ago, had burnt it to the ground.”

Once complete, the records will contribute to the long-term management, analysis, interpretation and presentation of the wall.

Colchester Archaeological Trust has been undertaking the survey work on the wall.

Julie Young, councillor responsible for culture and performance, said: "The wall is a key part of Colchester’s rich heritage, and as part of the council’s Better Colchester campaign it’s important we do everything we can to protect, preserve, enhance and celebrate such a major source of local civic pride.

“It’s an honour to work with Professor Dominic Powlesland, the Colchester Archaeological Trust and students from Colchester Institute, on recording and future-proofing such a unique and irreplaceable monument."

A programme of specialised tree work has begun on the wall and recording work has also taken place at Balkerne Gate this week.