Around a hundred soldiers marched through Beverley with bayonets fixed, colours flying and bands playing as they exercised their freedom rights.
Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of The Yorkshire Regiment took part in the Freedom Parade on Friday, 30 June in Beverley led by commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Humpris.
Good crowds turned out to support the troops who were parading ahead of their deployment to Afghanistan.
Security for the parade was very visible with armoured vehicles being used to stop traffic and armed police on the streets ensuring the safety of all involved.
Ahead of the event Commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Humpris, said:
“It’s a huge honour and privilege to be leading my soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment through two of our freedom towns just before we deploy.”
“It allows us to say farewell to two of the communities we represent and spiritually to wish farewell to the county.”
“The responsibility of serving our county and country on operations is one that we hold incredibly seriously and my Yorkshire soldiers have set about the task of preparing for that in the hugely positive, tough, honest and straight-forward manner for which they are famed and celebrated.”
“We are now exceptionally well-trained and excited and ready for the challenges that will follow.”
Once in Saturday Market the troops were inspected by dignitaries including the Mayor of Beverley Cllr Ann Willis.
