A REMEMBRANCE service and wreath laying ceremony will take place at Colchester’s war memorial.

It will be held in High Street on Sunday at 10.45am.

A total of 135 soldiers will be on parade and a two minute silence will be held at 11am.

Nick Cope, Colchester mayor, said: “The growing numbers attending Colchester’s Service of Remembrance in recent years is a mark of the public’s increasing respect and concern for members of Britain’s Armed Forces, which I welcome just as they do.

“On this special day of Remembrance, I would encourage everyone to join me to honour those lost in war and to spend time to reflect on the sacrifice of former and current service men and women, to whom we all owe an enormous and enduring debt of gratitude.”

Following the ceremony, the British Army Band Colchester will lead serving soldiers, veterans and youth organisations through the town centre, to be received by the mayor at a reception in Moot Hall.

Four large poppies feature prominently on the Town Hall balcony, in tribute to the victims of war.

On Monday November 11, to mark Armistice Day, Mayor Cope will lead a two-minute silence on the steps of Colchester Town Hall at 11am.