THE ROYAL Wiltshire Yeomanry held a three-mile parade around Swindon to mark being awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Swindon.

The Yeomanry's two Territorial Army squadrons, based in Swindon and Salisbury, met at Faringdon Road Park, where the troops were inspected by Swindon Mayor Stan Pajak and Sir Maurice Johnston, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire.

An outdoor church service and the parade then made its way around Swindon. Guests met at the Steam Museum for lunch and were given an outdoor display of the vehicles the Yeomanry use, including Challenger 2 and Spartan tanks.

Swindon Mayor Stan Pajak said: "It has been a great day and the award of honorary freedom is long overdue."

Granting Honorary Freedom dates to the Roman Empire, when a regiment wishing to recruit more soldiers must first gain permission from the local town or borough to enter its streets.

It was granted by Swindon Council in recognition of the service given by volunteers in the Yeomanry since 1794, and the sacrifices made in active service during the South African War and both World Wars.

Mark Denham, 25, a personal fitness instructor from Trowbridge and member of the Swindon-based squadron, said: "I've been in the TA for three years. The training is brilliant and I have just come back from a six-month tour of Kosovo."

Civil servant Dave Blackwell, 35, has been with the TA for 17 years. He said: "The TA is a good laugh. I can't think of a better reason why I have stayed in so long."

For more information call A Squadron on Swindon 523865 or B Squadron on 01722 327325.