The Colchester public will be glued to their television screens tonight for the first episode of the controversial docu-soap Soldier Town.

The six-part series has attracted nationwide attention for the way it portrays local women and what troops get up to off duty.

It aims to lift the lid on what life is like in a garrison town and what effect the comings and goings of soldiers have on human relationships.

Brigadier Peter Wall, commander of Colchester Garrison, has already seen episode one.

He said: "It's interesting to see the Channel Four portrayal of soldiers having a good time. However I'm not sure it's entirely representative of what goes on.

"I'm hoping future episodes will focus on some of the more serious aspects of interaction between the garrison and the town which we value greatly."

The programme-makers spent several months filming in Colchester pubs and clubs, recording what goes on between soldiers and local women.

"We all know young people like a good time," Brig Wall added.

Soldier Town is on at 9pm on Channel Four and Neil Rider, one of the "stars" of the series, is planning to show it on the big screen at his pub, the Waggon and Horses.

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