Norwich Castle will provide a symbolic focus as the city marks Remembrance Day.

As evening falls on Saturday and Sunday, special filters on the castle's floodlights will turn the ancient walls red as a mark of respect to British service men and women, past and present.

Echoing the emblem of the poppy, the gesture will be a reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in the two world wars and the conflicts since.

In particular it will act as a tribute to the many service men and women stationed in Norfolk throughout its long military tradition, and to those currently on active service.

The idea to use Norwich Castle in this way was proposed by The Royal British Legion which approached Norfolk County Council.

Bill Kerr, the legion's county chairman, said: 'We are extremely pleased and honoured that Norfolk County Council is supporting us with this high-profile project.

'Norfolk raised over �638,000 last year toward the legion's national total of �40m and we hope that turning the castle red for Remembrance Day assist will help us to bring home to all the great needs of armed forces and veterans.

'The Royal British Legion spends about �1.7m every week assisting veterans and annually about �90m so you can see how important the Poppy Appeal is as it raises nearly half of our requirement.'

The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Ralph Gayton, will lay a wreath at the service of remembrance outside City Hall beginning at 10.35am on Sunday. 'This is a time for all to take a moment and remember those who have given their lives or lost family and friends,' he said.

The Lord Lieutenant will lay the first wreath at the service led by the Rev Canon Peter Nokes from St Peter Mancroft church.

Click here to view an interactive map, showing the remembrance services across the region.