MORE than 200 troops marched through Andover to celebrate their Freedom of the Borough.

Residents lined the streets as service personnel from the 22 Engineer Regiment, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and the Army Air Corps marched through the town in a display of ceremony and tradition, led by the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regimental Band.

The march started at Town Mills car park before heading through the town towards Eastern Avenue, where the troops saluted the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and the mayor of Test Valley.

They then proceeded to St Mary’s Church for a commemoration service to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

There was also a flypast over the service and town by the Army Air Corps.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Ian Carr, said: “I am delighted we were able to bring the troops together for this fantastic event.

“I would like to thank everyone who turned up on the day to support the troops as well as all those involved in organising the parade.

“It was a real privilege to be there and I am pleased to say that we were lucky enough to enjoy some fantastic weather on the day.”

The mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Karen Hamilton, said: “It was a great privilege to host the Test Valley Freedom March.

“History was made being the first time all three regiments have come together.

“Our soldiers sacrifice their lives on a daily basis to protect us, this is something I respect and appreciate, and felt proud to welcome them all.”

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’.

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