More than 150 soldiers will march through the streets of Skipton on Friday 25 June with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.

The 3rd Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment, formerly known as The Duke of Wellington’s, was awarded freedom of Craven in May 2002. On Friday, June 25 the soldiers will exercise their right to hold a freedom parade in the District and it will be hosted by Craven District Council.

The soldiers of the 3rd Battalion are recruited from the ‘old’ West Riding of Yorkshire’, which included the greater part of the Craven District, and have just recently returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Councillor Paul Whitaker, Chairman of Craven District Council, said:

“The Freedom Parade provides an opportunity for residents to show their support and appreciation to the young men and women who do a very dangerous but vital job and put their lives at risk in service of their country. It would be wonderful if as many Craven residents as possible could attend on the day to cheer on our brave soldiers. It is very important that our armed services know that they have the support of all sections of the community.”

The Parade will start at 10.40am and include 30 Bandsmen from the Ghurkas, up to 100 Guardsmen, a colour party of nine, five drummers, and two armoured vehicles. The soldiers will march from Otley Street up the High Street, around the roundabout, and form up in front of the Library.

There will be a ceremony, which will involve Lord Crathorne, the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, the Chairman of Craven District Council and Colonel Newton of the Yorkshire Regiment, taking the salute.

After the ceremony the soldiers will march off down the High Street, along Swadford Street and Coach Street to Water Street, then onto Mill Bridge, back into the High Street, and then to Otley Street, where it will finish.

This year the Freedom Parade in Craven falls during the period when the country celebrates Armed Forces Day.