All roads led to Fingringhoe Ranges as people flocked in their thousands to the annual Colchester Garrison Country Day.

The day proved to be an exciting, colourful and entertaining mix of events for all the family as the military and the countryside joined together for a mega display of activities.

Secretary Lt Col (retired) Brian Davenport said: "It all went very well. We are very pleased with the people of Colchester who despite the weather - the odd shower - turned out in their thousands to support us."

But he added: "Some of the things we hoped to do we couldn't because of operational reasons but everyone enjoyed the day."

One of the casualties was the proposed abseiling of troops from a helicopter in the main arena.

This had to be cancelled as resources had been deployed to Kosovo, he said.

Mr Davenport said between £3,000 and £4,000 was raised which will shared between the Army Benevolent Fund and Colchester and Tendring Community Trust.

The grand climax in the main arena, a military rescue battle calling in the impressive equipment of the 24 Air Mobile Brigade, kept the crowd spell-bound.

Previously they had enjoyed the marching and counter marching with the scarlet uniformed Royal Anglian Regiment's Minden Band and drums and the popular mounted games with its race element.

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