BASILDON'S two MPs have paid a tribute to fallen heroes at the Parliament Constituency Garden of Remembrance on behalf of constituents and in support of the Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal.

South Basildon & East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe and his Basildon and Billericay counterpart John Baron both placed crosses in the garden organised by the House of Commons Speaker as an opportunity for members to participate in an Act of Remembrance to show respect for constituents, past and present, who have defended Britain's way of life.

Mr Metcalfe said: "I was very proud to plant a tribute in Parliament's Garden of Remembrance today for our local heroes in South Basildon and East Thurrock.

"Can I also pay tribute to the Royal British Legion for the stellar work they do to keep the remembrance spirit alive, as well as support thousands of former service members. We mustn't forget the contribution that so many have made to safeguard our freedoms."

Mr Baron said: "November is the time we come together as a nation to remember the service and sacrifice of members of our Armed Forces, past and present. In honouring the dead of the World Wars and subsequent conflicts, we also mark and pay tribute to our veterans."

"It is right and fitting that these acts of remembrance take place at the centre of our democracy, in whose defence members of the Armed Forces have served, many paying the ultimate price."

On Saturday, 11 November, Mr Metcalfe will be attending the annual Veteran's Breakfast in Basildon, as well as the Orsett Remembrance Service organised by Chadwell St Mary RBL branch held in Orsett.

On Sunday he will be attending Stanford-le-Hope's Remembrance Service.