Corps given the Freedon of the Cotswolds (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Corps given the Freedon of the Cotswolds

A CROWD of several hundred braved the cold to greet the 29 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps into Cirencester's Market Place on Thursday.

With the market place strangely quiet, a distant drum beat signalled the arrival of the troops, led by the Royal Logistics Corps Band.

They arrived with swords and bayonets unsheathed and applause rippled through from the waiting crowds.

Builders watched from scaffolding and shop assistants peered from windows, as three lines of soldiers marched towards the Church of St John the Baptist.

Here Councillor Sue Jepson, Chairman of Cotswold District Council, was waiting to formally grant them the freedom of the district.

The Regiment then began a parade of honour around the market square where they were followed by waves of applause before they marched away to prepare for a later church service.

Lorraine Ba-Tin was watching her husband, who serves in the regiment, march past with her son and daughter

She said: "I'm very proud, it's wonderful. They've served in many places and they do feel very much part of the area."

She went on to explain she had taken her children out of school for the day so they could watch the parade.

She said: "It's the first time they've seen Daddy in his uniform."

Anthony Hunt, Regimental Sergeant Major with the 29 Regiment, explained it was a special day for all the troops.

He said: "It's an honour. An honour for the regiment and all of us are thoroughly enjoying the whole day. It's a proud moment - we're all proud to be here."

On Friday the troops were back to parade Northleach, where more crowds cheered their progress.

Later that day the regiment moved on to Tetbury, where crowds greeted them.

Representatives from the town council, the Feoffes and the British Legion as well as Town Crier Derek Jackson joined the Mayor, John Dearnley to welcome the regiment.

As the mayor greeted each and every member of the regiment present, the band entertained the crowd.

For more pictures from Tetbury, see the following story...