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Thousands cheer on troops from the 3 Rifles
THOUSANDS of well-wishers turned out to cheer on troops from the 3 Rifles as they were given the freedom of the borough of Darlington. Soldiers from two companies of the 3rd Battalion of the Rifles paraded through Darlington and were inspected by its Mayor Bryan Thistlethwaite in front of family, veterans, dignitaries and thousands of supporting public. They were presented with the Freedom of the Borough, an honour previously bestowed on the Durham Light Infantry, with which the Rifles has historical links. In return, Deputy Colonel Commandant Brigadier Justin Maciejewski presented a bugle to the borough. The parade started at 1pm from Commercial Street. A total of 150 soldiers marched along Northgate, Prebend Row, West Row and into the market square for the inspection. Coun Thistlethwaite said: "It has been absolutely amazing. The turnout speaks volumes for the town."
