SOLDIERS from three regiments granted the freedom of Test Valley will be marching through Andover TODAY.

The Princess of Wales's Royal Regimental Band will lead the way as more than 200 service personnel from 22 Engineer Regiment, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and the Army Air Corps exercise their freedom of the borough bestowed by Test Valley Borough Council.

Beginning at approximately 12.45pm at the Town Mills Car Park, the march will travel towards Eastern Avenue where the troops will salute the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and the Mayor of Test Valley.

It will then proceed to St Mary’s Church for a commemoration service at approximately 1.30pm, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

The Army Air Corps will also perform a fly past at the start of the memorial service.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Ian Carr, said: “The parade will be a wonderful opportunity for families, friends and local residents to come together to celebrate the regiments granted freedom of the borough, as well as the wider Armed Forces. This will be a day of celebration but also reflection, as we remember those who fought in the Battle of the Somme."

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel AFJ Betts, 3 Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, added: “As the local infantry regiment in Hampshire, we are hugely honoured to be exercising the freedom of Test Valley. We are immensely proud of this longstanding connection with Hampshire and to the town of Andover in particular. We are delighted to have been given this very special privilege to conduct this freedom parade and the opportunity to reinforce the close links we enjoy with the local community and the town of Andover.”

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel DJ Bickers MBE RE, 22 Engineer Regiment, said: “It is a great honour for the regiment to exercise its freedom of Test Valley by marching through the town. Throughout its 300-year history the Royal Engineers has enjoyed the loyal support of the towns and cities in which we are based, and this is certainly the case with Andover today. Every man and woman marching will feel the very special bond which exists between 22 Engineer Regiment and the people of Andover.”

Commandant, Army Aviation Centre Colonel Jon Bryant, commented: “We recognise that this is the highest honour a local community can bestow. For the military community of Middle Wallop, past and present, the right to exercise our freedom continues to cement the historic ties and long, trusting friendship with the town of Andover and the wider borough of Test Valley. Long may this bond continue.”

The freedom of the borough is the highest award that the council can bestow. Those granted the freedom are able to march through the streets “with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, colours flying, drums beating and bands playing”.

Rolling road closures will be in place during the march.