Royal salute in Colchester on the Queen’s official birthday.

Soldiers from Colchester’s 7th Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, fired a 21-gun salute at noon in Lower Castle Park, using six 105mm light guns, similar to those recently used in Helmand, Afghanistan.

Major Adam Spaul, the man in command of the guns, said: “This is the second time my battery has had the honour of firing the royal salute at Castle Park. It is a fantastic opportunity to show the public the ceremonial side of the military.”

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Garrison commander Colonel Tom Fleetwood added: “This is a very special day for Colchester, the garrison and 16 Air Assault Brigade. Being able to fire the royal salute is a great honour.”

Spectators watched the salute in Upper Castle Park