HUNDREDS of residents will be able to visit attractions across the county for free as part of Visit Essex’s third Big Weekend.

Essex Big Weekend is designed to encourage residents to rediscover amazing things to see and do in their home county.

Attractions have donated free tickets or experiences for residents to use on April 6 and 7.

Residents can bid for available tickets to as many attractions as they wish from Thursday until March 17.

Visit Essex tourism marketing manager Carol Jolly said: “We were thrilled with the keen response to the Essex Big Weekend in 2018 and this year we have even more support from our businesses.

“It’s easy to forget or miss entirely the wonderful, unique and heart-warming attractions right on our doorstep.”

“We want people to use this weekend to get out and about in Essex and spread the word about the fantastic places we have to visit for all ages.”

There are more than 60 experiences on offer, including Audley End House and Gardens, RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Rope Runners, Lee Valley White Water Centre, Colchester Zoo, Colchester Castle, Stow Maries Aerodrome and the beach huts in Maldon.

To bid visit essexbigweekend.co.uk. Two tickets per household will be allocated by ballot to the lucky winners.