ANYONE wanting to pay their respects to fallen soldiers on Remembrance Day are being asked not to congregate at Colchester’s war memorial but hold their tributes at home.

Colchester Council has been forced to cancel the usual poignant event at the bottom of the High Street in Cowdray Crescent because of coronavirus restrictions on large numbers of people gathering.

Residents and dignitaries are being urged to stay away, and hold private vigils on their doorsteps at 11am on November 8.

A spokesman for the council said: “As with many areas across the country, we had a Remembrance Sunday parade and service planned to mark the occasion.

“However, in line with Government coronavirus restrictions, these are not able to go ahead.

“The mayor of Colchester Robert Davidson will lead a small, socially distanced service at the garrison.

“Residents are urged not to gather at the war memorial, but to observe a two-minute silence on their doorstep.

“A gun will be fired at 11am at the garrison to mark the silence.”

“In the coming days and weeks we will be sharing ways we will be commemorating the occasion and ways for residents to reflectively pause - separately, but together - at home or online.”

Mr Davidson became the first person in Colchester to pay his respects as the Royal British Legion launched the town’s Poppy Appeal at Merville Barracks.

Poppies can still be bought in shops and at the Red Lion Walk Shopping Centre,

For more information and fundraising ideas, visit britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal. If you would like to volunteer as a collector, email secretarycolchesterrbl@gmail.com or visit the town centre shop.