SOLDIERS based at the Carver Barracks will be given the Freedom of the District and permission to march through Saffron Walden on Sunday June 14. Almost 200 soldiers from the 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) will gather at the Uttlesford District Council office

SOLDIERS based at the Carver Barracks will be given the Freedom of the District and permission to march through Saffron Walden on Sunday June 14.

Almost 200 soldiers from the 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) will gather at the Uttlesford District Council offices in Saffron Walden and begin their parade down the High Street at about 1pm.

Turning right into King Street the soldiers will form up on the Market Square where they will be presented with a scroll, representing the Freedom of the District, by council chairman Cllr Alastair Walters.

"There will be a reception for the troops to recognise the great job that they are doing for us in the theatre of war," said Cllr Walters.

"This will be a wonderful event and the first time we have had a march past in Saffron Walden by soldiers in full regalia since the 9th and 12th regiments in 1988."

The troops will be wearing their operational dress and carrying arms. An army band of about 30 soldiers will be playing during the parade.

During the ceremony, which will involve town dignitaries including mayor elect Cllr Doug Perry and chairman of Wimbish Parish Council Mike Young, campaign medals will be presented to Squadron 17 who have recently returned from Afghanistan.

The soldiers will then be called to attention by the Regimental Sergeant Major and the troops will be led down Market Street to the Common car park where they will be dismissed and disarmed.

The soldiers and their families will have a social event inside a marquee which will be erected on the Common and family attractions will be available for everyone.

Do you remember the last time the troops marched through Saffron Walden? Let us know by emailing alistair.nelson@archant.co.uk