A POPULAR author and newspaper columnist returned to Colchester to deliver an inspiring talk.

Polly Tonybee, an author and columnist at the Guardian newspaper, spoke to a crowd at Patch in Trinity Street to support Pam Cox’s campaign to become Colchester’s next Labour MP.

Polly and Pam were joined by 70 people at the city centre café for an evening of discussion and fundraising.

The journalist spoke about her latest book An Uneasy Inheritance which documents the history of her own family and their long involvement with national politics.

She said it was “great to come back to Colchester”.

“I have fond memories of taking part in the Oyster Feast in the town hall along with David Owen in 1986,” she added.

In 1999 Polly was given an honorary doctorate by Essex University.

Pam, who is a city councillor for the New Town and Christ Church ward, said: “It was great to see so many people at Polly’s talk.

“She has followed British politics over many years and she thinks we’re heading for a big change. I hope to prove her right.”

She will stand for Colchester’s seat in the Commons at the next General Election alongside Martin Goss (Lib), James Cracknell (Con), and Sara Ruth (Grn).