Members of an Army regiment have exercised their freedom of a North East city with a parade this weekend.

The Rifle Freedom Parade in Sunderland featured members from the 5th and 8th battalions.

They were led by the Band & Bugles of The Rifles supported by the Band & Bugles of The County Durham Army Cadet Force.

The Rifles is a successor to historic regiments like the Durham Light Infantry.

They are seen as the Sunderland regiment and actively recruit in the area.

The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Dorothy Trueman, said: "Our relationship with The Rifles goes back many years.

"We're incredibly proud of our close bonds with them and it was a great honour to welcome them back to Sunderland.

"The Freedom Parade is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the close ties we have with the Rifles and pay tribute to everything they do to support our national defences."

The Rifles Colonel North, Brigadier Mark Wilson MBE, said: "The Rifles are proud to exercise their Freedom of Sunderland and of their longstanding link to the City of Sunderland which, though our predecessors, has endured for many years.

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"We are looking forward to that link remaining for many years to come."

The Rifles Regiment is the largest infantry regiment in the British Army. After being actively involved in recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is currently involved in operations in support of the country's national defence.

Can you see yourself in pictures from the event?

The Northern Echo: Rifle Freedom Parade in SunderlandThe Northern Echo: Rifle Freedom Parade in SunderlandThe Northern Echo: Rifle Freedom Parade in SunderlandThe Northern Echo: Rifle Freedom Parade in SunderlandThe Northern Echo: Rifle Freedom Parade in SunderlandThe Northern Echo: Rifle Freedom Parade in SunderlandThe Northern Echo: Rifle Freedom Parade in Sunderland