ARMED forces from Bovington Garrison and Lulworth Camp will march through Wareham town centre this summer - as part of celebrations marking the Armour Centre's centenary.

The last time the military paraded through the town was when Purbeck District Council (PDC) presented the Freedom of the District to the Armour Centre and the Old Boys' Association of the Junior Leaders' Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, in 2010.

This honour gave the garrison the right to march through the district with bayonets fixed.

"Our armed forces based in Bovington and Lulworth discharge a crucial function in ensuring our nation's safety," said PDC chairman Cllr Bill Trite. "So we are profoundly grateful for their services and their dedication over many years."

The parade will coincide with the centenary of the Armour Centre.

Garrison Commander Colonel Gordon Judd said: "This is a particularly important year for the Armour Centre and Bovington Garrison marking both the centenary of the Armour Centre, established in 1916, and the 100th anniversary of the first use of a tank in war by the British Army."

The British Army was the first to use tanks in combat, at the Battle of Flers Courcelette - part of the larger Battle of the Somme - in World War One.

"We greatly value our links with the people of Purbeck who have given us such valued support over the years," said the colonel.

The parade takes place on June 24, and members of the public are urged to come along to show their support. It will assemble at South Bridge, Wareham, at 11.30am, before proceeding along South Street and North Street.

There will also be an inspection of the troops outside the town hall.

Cllr Trite said: "We are honoured that the garrison will be exercising its right to march through the streets of Purbeck, especially since this is an historic year for the Armour Centre.

"The parade in 2010 was truly memorable, so we much look forward to this year's event."

The parade will be led by The Band of the Household Cavalry. Soldiers and Royal Marines from Bovington and Lulworth will march, together with veterans of the Junior Leaders Regiment Old Boys Association.

They will be accompanied by a selection of armoured fighting vehicles.