DOZENS EXPECTED AT CITY PEACE MARCH

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Dozens expected at city peace march

A peaceful procession to make a stand against extremism following the murder of Lee Rigby is to take place in Leicester tomorrow.

Dozens of people are expected to take part in a march from Town Hall Square to the war memorial at Victoria Park, where a two-minute silence and a wreath-laying ceremony will be held in memory of the soldier.

The event is being organised by Leicester Strong, a support group formed through Facebook, and will be followed by a family day to raise money for two forces charities – Help for Heroes and Scotty's Little Soldiers.

It is part of a nationwide campaign involving groups across the country and is being held to coincide with Drummer Rigby's funeral.

Co-organiser Julie Hogben, of Groby, said: "I come from a family of military people and when I saw what had happened to Lee Rigby it just devastated me. He had been to Afghanistan and survived then this happens on our own streets in broad daylight.

"We wish to invite people from all walks of life, regardless of colour or religion, everyone who wants to make this a safer place to live.

"We need to stand strong together against extremism and hate preachers.

"Our Government should be ensuring these people are off our streets."

Julie was hoping to see about 150 people taking part.

The family event will be held at The Donkey, in Welford Road, following the wreath-laying.

People who want to join the procession are asked to meet at Town Hall Square from 11.30am. The march will begin at noon, with the group set to arrive at Victoria Park for 12.55pm.

For more details, visit: www.facebook.com/ LeicesterStrong