It was a day of pomp and ceremony as the Freedom of the New Forest District was officially granted to the 17 Port and Maritime Regiment.

The award allows the Marchwood-based regiment “the honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the New Forest District on all ceremonial occasions with swords drawn, bayonets fixed and drums beating, bands playing and colours flying”.

It was granted at a special ceremony at NFDC offices in Appletree Court, Lyndhurst. They were followed by an impressive parade down the High Street and back earlier today.

Around 200 officers from the regiment, led by the regiment’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Kirsten Dagless RLC, were also inspected at the event which was attended by Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire, Brigadier David Harrison JP DL as well as senior members of the Army and NFDC.

The parde began at the Beaulieu Road junction with Lyndhurst High Street, passing up the High Street to the Forestry Commission’s Queen’s House and back down again.

Military vehicles and equipment were also put on display for the public to see.