MP DAVID Amess has called on volunteers and councillors to back Southend as the “Alternative City of Culture”.

Mr Amess, MP for Southend West, issued a rallying call after Southend failed in its bid to be crowned UK City of Culture 2017.

However, he believes groups involved in the original bid should join together to celebrate the rich and varied arts, drama music in the town.

In June, Southend missed out on the shortlist for the competition, which is held every four years.

Mr Amess, who promoted Southend’s bid for the official accolade in Parliament, said: “While I am biased, I genuinely thought Southend’s bid was very strong.

“So as not to waste everyone’s efforts in preparing the bid, I’m pleased to announce Southend will be the Alternative City of Culture 2017.

“I will work with all organisations interested in this project who would like to participate in celebrating the rich culture Southend has to offer.”

Mr Amess is yet to confirm any events, but called on voluntary organisations to support his call.

He said having an alternative city of culture in the south would provide regional balance because only Dundee, Hull, Leicester and Swansea Bay are still in the running for the title.

The council, which is expected to run for the title again in 2021, has backed Mr Amess’s alternative campaign.

Hosting the Turner Prize, opening the new museum and being shortlisted for the UK City of Culture are among the ambitious targets the council has set itself for the next decade.

Southend Council hopes to hit at least five of nine targets, which also include hosting a major cultural conference, increasing visitor numbers and holding a two-week cultural festival.

The council will oversee the opening of Forum Southend next month and will bring a new Saxon King exhibition to the town later this summer.

Derek Jarvis, Southend councillor responsible for culture, said: “I do think it will be a great idea to showcase the continuing progress we’ve made in 2017 to being a worthy candidate for City of Culture 2021 and an alternative city of culture will be a great way to focus our efforts during that year.”