RECEIVING the prestigious freedom of the borough or freedom of the town is an honorary status conferred on a select few.

The ancient tradition saw freemen invited to take part in all important ceremonial occasions.

And military units could parade in the town with fixed bayonets, regimental band playing and colours flying.

But in modern times this is an honour only to recognise service given by individuals or groups and confers no legal rights.

And while the term is freeman, not all recipients are men.

A special council meeting is due to be held in Poole to consider honouring the Rifles Regiment with the highest honour the borough can bestow.

The Rifles, whose soldiers have been fighting and dying in Afghanistan, are in line to be honoured with the Freedom of the Borough of Poole.

Verwood Rifleman Philip Allen, 20, was the latest local casualty of the war against the Taliban. The member of 2 Rifles was killed by an improvised explosive device a few weeks after arriving in Afghanistan.

The regiment is likely to join the Royal Marines and RNLI in a select group to receive the accolade.

The meeting to propose the motion will take place 15 minutes before the next full council meeting on December 15.

“The council are considering this as a mark of the respect and gratitude that we have for the Rifles and all the armed forces for what they are doing for this country and the whole free world,” said council leader Cllr Brian Lever-ett.

The Rifles Regiment was formed in 2007 following the amalgamation of four famous regiments, including the Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry.

Poole had originally granted its freedom to the Dorset regiment in 1946, and this was extended to the Devonshire and Dorsets in 1976.

The new regiment has its headquarters in Winchester and is very keen to retain a close connection to its places of origin, including Dorset.

“The regiment cherishes its long and close association with the people of Poole and wishes to continue this special relationship,” said Poole mayor, Cllr Charles Meachin.

“I believe that by granting the status of freedom of the borough, we will foster our relationship with the Rifles.”