Yorkshire Regiment 3rd Battalion parade through Wakefield city centre

The regiment has the Freedom of eight cities in Yorkshire and is exercising its right to parade through all of these during a four-day programme.

In 2010 the troop was granted the Freedom of the City of Wakefield.

And on Thursday around 170 serving soldiers will march, with bayonets fixed, from the TA Centre on George Street at 3.45pm to the west door of the Cathedral.

The Mayor of Wakefield, Coun Brian Holmes, will greet the regiment with a welcoming speech before inspecting the troops.

This will be followed by a Victory Beating by Drummers and a further parade across the city back to the TA centre ending at 4:45pm.

Wakefield Council leader, Peter Box, said: “It is a great honour to welcome the Yorkshire Regiment 3 Battalion The Wellingtons to Wakefield where they have the honour of the Freedom of the City.

“The parade gives us the opportunity to celebrate with them the job being done by British servicemen and women all over the world who are serving on behalf of their country, some sadly paying the ultimate price. This occasion is also a time to remember those who have died or have been injured in the line of duty.”

The Mayor of Wakefield, Coun Brian Holmes said: “Ceremonial parades such as these are symbolic and significant public events and we hope as many people as possible will line the streets to show the troops how much they are appreciated and to give them a warm Wakefield welcome.”

Roads will be closed to accommodate the march and some bus routes will be disrupted, with details of diversions currently being finalised.

Details of the march route can be found on the Wakefield Council website http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/CommunityAndLiving/freedom-of-the-city-parade.htm.