AN ARMY regiment celebrated exercising its freedom with a ceremonial march through a town last weekend.

Ludgershall hosted the 26 Engineer Regiment’s Freedom Parade on Saturday.

The sappers have shared a close bond with the town since the regiment reformed in April 2000 and it is the first time the unit has exercised its freedom since being granted the Freedom of Ludgershall on 30 May, 2015.

Vice-chairman of the town council, Councillor Anthony Pickernell, said: “There was a good turnout to watch them and the whole thing went very, very well.

“We’re quite honoured and pleased to be associated with the regiment.

“Also we had a good turnout of local dignitaries who all have busy diaries, so it was nice they felt it was worth coming to the parade.”

The tradition dates from when fortress walls were necessary to protect its inhabitants from outlaw bands and the attacks of feudal lords.

Holding the freedom of a town or city is the greatest honour that can be bestowed on a unit within the Armed Forces and it entitles the regiment to exercise a right to march through the town with colours flying and bayonets fixed.

The Band of the Royal Logistic Corps played throughout the march.

The regiment marched through the town before finishing at the Recreation Ground where a Town Meets Military Fete was held.

There were a variety of stalls and demonstrations, including military vehicles, physical training instructors with sporting activities and Army photography.