AROUND 1,000 people turned out in Dudley to catch a glimpse of brave Mercian Regiment soldiers parading through the town's streets.

More than 100 soldiers from the second and third battalions were welcomed to the town for the prestigious Freedom of the Borough parade after the regiment was awarded the honour last year.

They set off from Vicar Street before moving along the High Street and halting in Market Place to rapturous applause from the crowds.

The regiment saluted the Mayor of Dudley - Councillor David Stanley - and the civic party and received an inspection from the borough's first citizen.

The mayor was also presented with the regimental colours by the colonel of the regiment before the parade headed off along New Street, Priory Road, Ednam Road and St James's Road - ending at Dudley Council House where the soldiers were treated to refreshments.

Councillor David Stanley, Mayor of Dudley, said: "It was a very special occasion and I was delighted to see so many people turn out to support it. We are very proud of our association with the regiment and we are pleased to see people share that sense of pride."

Congratulations were also given by Dudley North MP, Ian Austin, who said: ""I congratulate the council for organising this important event as it gives the whole of our community the opportunity to pay their tribute to the bravery of our armed forces and the important work they do to protect us all."

"All of us owe the armed forces an enormous debt. They fight for freedom and democracy and the values that make Britain the best country in the world to live in. They represent everything that is best about our country and their record of courage, service and sacrifice is an example to us all."

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton said: "Although we serve in different parts of the world we are very much part of Dudley. The recognition we got was wonderful and the lads loved to see friends and family cheering them on."

The Mercian Regiment was formed in September last year, when the Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters and Cheshire regiments merged - and the council granted the regiment freedom of the borough in October last year.