THE historic ties between a North Yorkshire town and an army regiment have been honoured for the final time with a Freedom Parade.

Soldiers from 9 Regiment Army Air Corps (9 Regt AAC), based at Dishforth Airfield, today (Thursday, May 21) marched through Boroughbridge one last time before it ceases flying at Dishforth early next year as part of the army’s 2020 restructuring programme.

The Mayor of Boroughbridge, Councillor Kenny Fuller, is also a former member of the regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Cook OBE, commanding officer of 9 Regt AAC, said: “As the regiment enters its final year before disbandment it has been granted the privilege of exercising its Freedom of Boroughbridge for a final time.

“The regiment is very keen to honour and thank the people of Boroughbridge and the local area for the support and friendship they have given the regiment over the past 23 years.”

9 Regt AAC has been stationed at Dishforth since 1992 and has supported combat and humanitarian operations worldwide including Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, the Philippines and Afghanistan.