HUNDREDS of soldiers from Catterick Garrison will march through Richmond on their very first Freedom Parade next week.

Catterick Garrison has been been awarded the Freedom of Richmond to commemorate the centenary of the ending of the First World War.

On Wednesday, April 25, Lieutenant Colonel Joe Jordan, the Garrison Commander, will lead the troops from every single major unit based in the Garrison from Nuns Close car park to Richmond Castle marching past the civic party at the Town Hall steps.

The civic party including the Mayor of Richmond Stuart Parsons; Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Barry Dodd CBE and Colonel Andrew Hadfield, Deputy Commander of 4th Infantry Brigade based in the garrison, will then take up positions on the saluting dias in the castle.

Lt. Col. Jordan said: "It will be a great honour to lead these soldiers through Richmond on such an historic day.

"For the first in the Garrison’s remarkable history, which began at the beginning of the First World War, soldiers will be able to exercise their right to march through the town.

"For the parade to coincide with the year marking the centenary of the ending of the Great War is a momentous moment."