COLCHESTER Council will set aside cash and develop plans for special events to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee next year.

Ideas to mark the milestone, the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, include planting avenues of trees, creating a plant maze, displays of flags and bunting and providing commemorative mugs to school children.

Councillor Simon Crow put forward a motion to full council, which was supported unanimously.

It said: "As Britain’s first city Colchester has a unique past and heritage which has played an important role in this country’s history.

"In addition we have enjoyed many proud years as a garrison town playing host to the British army.

"Therefore this council is delighted that next year we will be joining the nation to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to mark her 70 years on the throne of this great nation."

Peter Chillingworth (Con, Rural North) said "we must do her proud".

"She is respected and loved by people all over the world," he said.

"No doubt there will be many suggestions but to start the ball rolling and without knowing the practicalities I have three - creating an avenue of suitable trees down the high street, installing a fountain in castle park lake and planting a maze in High Woods Country Park."

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Mike Lilley (Lab, Old Heath and Rowhedge) said the event should be celebrated "in every part of the borough".

He added: "I believe the council should celebrate the Jubilee in every part of the borough and pay for a street party to be held on her behalf and also for the council to provide a commemorative mug given to every primary school child."

Mr Crow (Con, Castle) said the council would set aside a budget to pay for specific proposals once they were drawn up.

Gazette: Councillor Simon CrowCouncillor Simon Crow

He said: "I’m so pleased to hear the enthusiasm in the room for celebrating the Jubilee next year.

"We want all the communities to celebrate and come together as one greater celebration.

"Let’s do something big and special and we will sort the budget and come out with a plan of how to do it."

Colchester is also set to put forward a bid for city status as part of the Jubilee celebrations, which take place in June 2022.