Colchester councillors have paid tribute to the six soldiers who were killed in Iraq.

A minute's silence was observed by borough councillors from all parties at a special meeting at the town hall last night.

Councillors hold a minute's silence in memory of the soldiers, at Colchester Town Hall

Six Colcheter-based miltary policemen from 156 Provost Company were killed while on duty in the Gulf last week and councillors had wanted to pay their respects.

The ceremonial meeting was held to confirm the appointment of Professor Ivor Crewe as the town's new High Steward, but the tribute was made before it began.

Mayor Chris Hall said it was fitting that the new High Steward should be present when the council paid its formal tribute to the soldiers.

Professor Crewe, 57, who is Essex University's vice-chancellor, had been chosen to fill the prestigious role after a five-year gap since it was last occupied.

Support for the appointment came from across most of the council, but Labour group leader and St Andrew's ward councillor Tim Young spoke out against the move.

He said he had nothing against Professor Crewe personally, but felt the council should be focusing its energies on delivering services in the town rather than holding civic ceremonies.

The ancient office of High Steward dates back to the charter of 1635, which was granted to the borough of Colchester by Charles I.

Today it is an honorary title and Professor Crewe will be expected to attend civic functions as an ambassador for the town.

A school celebrating their leavers' prom took time out to pay tribute to the Colchester-based soldiers murdered in Iraq.

Rickstones School in Conrad Road, Witham, made a special red, white and blue floral tribute to the six men killed, which was signed by teachers, staff and parents at the ball.

Published Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette