THE parents of three soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan visited Colchester to launch the town’s poppy appeal.

John Foster, Lorraine McClure and Pearl Thrumble visited Red Lion Yard to remove a poppy-covered sheet and unveil the Royal British Legion’s temporary shop.

In August, 2007, their children, Private Aaron McClure, 19, from Ipswich, Private Robert Foster, 19, from Harlow, and Private John Thrumble, 21, from Chelmsford, of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment, were killed by “friendly fire” northwest of Kajaki.

They were joined by Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell, members of the Scouting movement, Colchester mayor John Elliott and Cheryl Hall, of the Invicta Foundation.

Mrs Hall, whose son Ashley- James was seriously injured in a bomb blast in Afghanistan, said meeting the parents of the three Royal Anglian soldiers had been a humbling experience.

The launch, on Saturday, was also marked by a performance by Colchester and District Pipes & Drums and a presentation of £2,100 from the Colchester and North East Essex Campaign for Real Ale.

It will remain open for donations ahead of the town marking Remembrance Sunday on November 9. The Royal British Legion and Invicta Foundation are preparing to place 453 crosses, each bearing the name of the Armed Forces’ personnel killed in Afghanistan, around the war memorial at the entrance to Castle Park.

After the launch, the three parents placed the first three crosses at the scene.

The public can sponsor remaining crosses for £4 at the foundation’s shop, in Culver Street East, or by visiting theinvictafoundation.org.uk