PARATROOPERS and other members of the Armed Forces in Colchester are being offered discounts at council run venues and attractions.

Colchester Council has joined the defence discount service, and claims to be the first local authority to sign up.

Leisure World, Colchester Castle, Lion Walk Activity Centre and the Colchester Events Company will now offer a range of discounts and concessions to members of the scheme, on production of a defence privilege card.

Councillor Lyn Barton, the council's Armed Forces champion, said: “I’m delighted twe are the first local authority to show support for the Armed Forces community, through the defence discount service.

"I hope other local businesses will follow our example and offer members of the Armed Forces community even more special discounts and concessions in venues and premises across the borough.

“I am immensely proud of the close ties between the town and Colchester Garrison, and of the partnership forged between us over many years."

Leader Paul Smith added: "This announcement comes just days after we joined The Royal British Legion’s ‘Count Them In’ campaign and reaffirms our commitment as a Council to offer our support to Armed Forces personnel and veterans to access the services they need.”

A spokesman from Colchester Garrison said: "We are so grateful the centuries old link between the town and the garrison has been further cemented in this way.”

Details of discounts for service personnel should be available to members at: www.defencediscountservice.co.uk