AN award will be made to a soldier every year in a bid to show community support for Essex troops.

Lord Hanningfield, leader of Essex County Council, announced plans for the £2,500 annual prize at a House of Lords reception last night.

He told an invited audience of soldiers from the Vikings, the Essex company of the East Anglian regiment, they deserved greater acknowledgement for their service to the country.

Lord Hanningfield told the Gazette: "The Anglian regiment has been through a very tough tour of Helmand province, with nine killed and 20 very badly injured.

"Soldiers are not getting enough support from the community.

"We have to remember that the average age of troops in the Royal Anglians is about 18, and yet they are fighting for us."

The award, from Essex County Council, to be made for bravery or community work, will be given to a different soldier each year to spend on whatever they like.