THESE stunning aerial photos of Tiptree capture the diversity and rich history of the area.

With a population of more than 9,000, you could be forgiven for mistakenly calling it a town.

Despite its size, Tiptree is still classified as a village and maintains its close community feel.

The village sits ten miles south west of Colchester and is a parish within Colchester Council.

One of its most famous landmarks is the internationally renowned Wilkin and Sons which produces jams and preserves for fans across the globe including the Queen.

The family-run business has a history stretching back to 1885 but is always looking to the future with new technologies and innovations.

The farm and factory both remain in Tiptree as well as a popular tearoom, shop and jam museum.

Wilkin and Sons has held a Royal Warrant since 1911 and amongst other famous consumers is James Bond’s jam of choice.

Another family-run business in Tiptree is garden centre and nursery Perrywood which is run by the Bourne Family.

Perry Wood is next to the site and lent its name to the business back in the 1950s when Alan Bourne’s parents, Mary and Les, bought the land and called it Perrywood Nurseries.

Alan started to grow plants to sell from the front of the property and took over the business with his wife, Karin, in 1984.

Tiptree is also home to four primary schools, Thurstable Secondary School, four churches, a Grade II listed mill and Essex’s largest heathland, Tiptree Heath.