ELIZABETH Crosses will be given to the families of 21 soldiers by Prince Charles on Thursday.

Following on from today’s visit to Colchester Garrison by Princess Anne, The Prince of Wales will be visiting, with The Duchess of Cornwall, to hand out operational medals to Colchester’s paratroopers.

Straight after the parade he will join the families in private to recognise the sacrifice their relatives made.

Among the 21 being handed out are seven for the families of paratroopers who died during the recent tour.

See Wednesday's Gazette for the full story.