FAMILIES experienced a taste of history as two Colchester shopping centres united as they marked the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Lion Walk and Culver Square shopping centres combined forces with a series of events.

Lion Walk shopping centre hosted a food ration workshop and a storyteller told fables typical to the era.

Children also enjoyed a free craft event making their own medals and planes.

Over in Culver Square, there was a series of army recruitment activities and a real trench offering an insight into life on the Western Front.

A poppy making activity explored the history behind the world-famous remembrance emblem.

Dave Robertson, who is the centre manager at Culver Square shopping centre, said the centre had been looking forward to the commemorative event, which was fun and educational for all the family.

Peter Scopes, Lion Walk centre manager, added: “Colchester has a strong military association and as a Garrison town we felt it was important that we marked the centenary of the First World War.

“We hope the planned activities not only provided some fun for shoppers in Colchester but will also help them to understand what wartime was like, be that on the home front or the battleground.”