A CEREMONY to remember fallen war heroes will be returning to Colchester’s town centre after a scaled down service last year.

The war memorial in High Street will once again provide the public focal point for the borough’s act of remembrance, on Sunday.

It follows Covid-19 restrictions last year meaning a small service was held at the Garrison instead.

Soldiers from the town’s 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team and army reserve units will be on parade, alongside civic dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst, Colchester mayor Robert Davidson and the High Sheriff of Essex Simon Brice.

The Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian Harrington will also be in attendance, alongside Colchester’s High Steward Sir Bob Russell and Colchester MP Will Quince.

A 105mm Light Gun from 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery will fire to mark the beginning and end of the two-minute silence at 11am.

Mr Davidson said: “On this national day of remembrance, I would encourage everyone to join me to honour those lost in conflicts 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 continuing debt of gratitude.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison, added: “Remembrance is important and very real for those of us serving in the armed forces.

“We remember with deep gratitude the sacrifice of young men and women who have given their lives for others.

“We also remember their families and all those who have been injured and still bear the scars of war.”

This comes after the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team headed to London and took over its train stations as part of a fundraising effort.

Some 120 troops, made up largely of Colchester-based troops, travelled to the capital to raise money and awareness for the Poppy Appeal.