COLCHESTER High Steward Sir Bob Russell will cease his heritage tours after eight years of fundraising.

Since May 2015, Sir Bob raised funds for a statue of sisters Jane and Ann Taylor.

It was to commemorate the children’s poem Jane wrote in Colchester which became the nursery rhyme “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”.

Jane Taylor wrote the world-famous poem in a house in Colchester in 1806, more than two centuries ago.

Gazette: Campaign - Sir Bob RussellCampaign - Sir Bob Russell (Image: Newsquest)

It’s hoped the statue will be installed in the New Year opposite the Town Hall.

Sir Bob has three tours, and his final Tour ‘A’, which includes the house where the poem was written, will run from Colchester Arts Centre between 10am and noon on Sunday.

His last Tour ‘B’ is at 10am on Sunday, November 5; his final all-Roman Tour ‘X’ will be at 10am, Sunday, December 3.

More than 2,000 people have been on his tours, of which there have been over 150.

Sir Bob said: “I have enjoyed doing the tours and I’m grateful to those who have come on them.

“The purpose for which I organised the tours has been achieved.”

Sir Bob said he will continue with his annual New Year’s Day Walk, however, with his 16th year being the walk on New Year’s Day at the Arts Centre at 10am.