For once the politicians are in agreement - more must be done to show public support for Britain's troops.

The Gazette revealed yesterday how Conservative Essex County Council leader Lord Hanningfield has pledged to make an annual £2,500 award to a soldier from the Essex company of the Royal Anglian Regiment.

And Labour Government ministers are considering a raft of proposals designed to acknowledge the efforts of troops, such as the 2,500 Colchester-based squaddies who are currently serving in Afghanistan.

The ideas include bringing in an extra summer bank holiday called Armed Forces Day - a plan that met with the firm approval of the public in Colchester town centre.

Libby Dansom, of Colne Engaine, said: "We should definitely have an extra bank holiday to come in line with Europe.

"Armed Forces Day would be great - if we weren't having that, I would go for Trafalgar Day, to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar."

Ex-serviceman Paul Bates, of Colchester, said: "It's a great idea. They don't get enough recognition at the moment."

Harry Cracknell, of Frinton, said: "It is certainly a good idea to have a holiday in honour of the armed forces."

Wife Jean said: "Every day's a holiday for us as we're pensioners! But people who are working deserve an extra day off."

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