A POIGNANT tribute designed to replicate the sound which started one of the bloodiest battles in military history is being planned, but organisers need more people to get involved.

The Colchester branch of the Royal British Legion are planning two ceremonies on July 1 to mark a century since the start of the Battle of the Somme in the First World War.

At the start of the conflict, senior officers blew trench whistles at exactly 7.30am to tell troops it was time to get out of the trenches and go over the top into no man's land to fight their opposition.

Ahead of the anniversary, the legion will be selling similar whistles in exchange for a donation to the charity, and want people to gather at Colchester's war memorial on High Street at 7.25am on the day of the anniversary.

They will then be asked to give a five-second blast oat exactly 7.30am, which will then be followed by a two-minute silence.

More than a million soldiers were wounded or killed in the Battle of the Somme, including former pupils at Colchester High School.

Legion chairman Mike McCarron believes the event could be incredibly special if enough people want to get join in and create an unforgettable atmosphere.

He said: "This could be massive.

"I reckon we could get hundreds of people in Colchester involved.

"The short, sharp blast on the whistles followed by the silence could be on of the most spine tingling moments which make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up."

Whistles will be on sale at the Invicta Foundation shop in Red Lion Yard and the legion are in talks with other High Street shops about stocking them.

After the early morning ceremony, another tribute will take place at the same location at 10.45am where an update on the state of the battle at that time will be given, along with a reminder of how many lives will be lost.

The legion are also planning a memorial to mark 100 years since the Battle of Jutland, in theFirst World War, where eight soldiers from Colchester lost their lives.

There will be a service on Tuesday May 31 at the war memorial.

Mr McCarron said: "The names of the people from Colchester who were killed will be read out.

"It was one of the most significant naval battles of the First World War."