A campaign to pardon dozens of so-called witches hunted and hanged by their communities has found fresh backing.

Colchester residents have voiced their support for a posthumous pardon of Essex’s witch trial victims.

Between 1644 and 1646, 112 people were sentenced to death in witch hunts across the country – 82 were from Essex.

The historic campaign was led by Mistley innkeeper Matthew Hopkins, who exploited a popular mood to find blame for the battles, poor harvests and high child mortality rates of the time.