Trees will be memorial to fallen soldiers

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An avenue of trees is being planted later in an Essex garrison town to commemorate fallen soldiers.

The trees in Colchester's Castle Park will be a memorial to soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade who have died since the brigade's formation 10 years ago.

A plaque will be unveiled at the entrance to the park.

After the ceremony, a service at St Peter's Church will celebrate the relationship between the church and the garrison.

St Peter's Church has seen homecoming services, military funerals and services of remembrance.

Shared grief

The planting of five semi-mature trees was the idea of Colchester MP, Bob Russell.

"Colchester is very supportive of our soldiers," he said.

"The town shares the grief when soldiers are killed - and we share the pride of their service to their country.

"I thought that one way of showing our support for the fallen was to plant trees in the Castle Park, a wonderful setting for such a living memorial."

The money for the trees was raised by a public appeal.

The brigade, an airborne force made up of units from the Army and RAF, numbers about 6,000 personnel.