THEY lined the streets to applaud their heroes.

The crowds turned out in force in Bournemouth yesterday to mark The Rifles being granted the Freedom Rights of the Borough.

The public cheered and waved flags in the sunshine as members of 1 Rifles, 6 Rifles – a TA battalion – along with members of the Regimental Association and the Army Cadet Force, marched from Pier Approach, through the gardens and up to the Bournemouth International Centre.

Watch the parade

The afternoon began with a ceremony at Pier Approach where mayor Cllr Barry Goldbart handed the regiment a scroll in exchange for a silver bugle, the regimental emblem.

Present alongside HRH the Duke of Gloucester, councillors, MPs, veterans and other dignitaries were the families of Cpt Mark Hale and Riflemen Jonny Allott and Phil Allen, all Dorset soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan.

Crowds were keen to show their support along the parade route for the Rifles, who were formed in 2007 and incorporated the Devon and Dorset Light Infantry.

Connie Trickett, from Boscombe, said: “My father was in the Dorsets in the First World War and I thought it would be nice to come.”

Stephen and Caroline Cannings, from Salisbury, said it was important to show support.

“They do a lot for us,” said Caroline.

Zoe Eady, from Hamworthy, went along after reading about the parade in the Daily Echo.

She said: “I’m an avid supporter of Help for Heroes. My daughter’s friend has a husband in the forces and he has to go to Afghanistan. It makes me choke; they should get some support.”

Among the veterans invited was 89-year-old Arthur Taylor, from Christchurch, who was part of the ground crew for Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft during World War Two.

He said his son and grandsons were in the forces and added: “It’s brilliant to see this. It reminds me of when the Queen came here, it’s well supported.”

The soldiers received applause along the entire length of the route as they marched with pride to the BIC, where a civic reception was held before a Sounding the Retreat ceremony on the West Cliff topped off the events.

Sue Gibson, from Poole, whose son has served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, was outside with her Union flags.

She added: “Thank God that we have men and women who are prepared to put their lives on the line for our freedom.”

Also near the end of the march were Lauren and Harrison Crawford, aged eight and 10.

Harrison said: “I liked the soldiers because they’re fighting for our country.”

Rifles Colonel for the South West, Brigadier Jolyon Jackson, said: “It was absolutely fantastic, a really good turnout from the people of Bournemouth, a deep understanding of what we do.”