Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment parade through Colne

Duke of Lancaster's Regiment march through the streets of Clitheroe as they receive the Freedom of the Ribble Valley.

Around 150 soldiers from the Regiment, represented by its 1st Battalion, will attend a celebration service at St Bartholomew’s Church.

Shortly afterwards, they will parade, led by the Band of the King’s Division, around the town centre before the Mayor of Pendle, Coun. Graham Roach, accompanied by the Deputy Colonel of the Regiment, Colonel Andrew Dennis, inspects the troops in front of the war memorial on Albert Road.

The battalion will then join the Mayor for lunch in The Muni.

The Freedom of Pendle was automatically granted to the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, having been previously granted to one of its antecedent regiments, the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment in 2001.

However, this will be the first time that the regiment, or the QLR, have been able to exercise this privilege and parade through Pendle. It follows an invitation to do so from former Mayor, Coun. Asjad Mahmood, back in 2012.

People from Pendle and beyond are invited to watch the parade on Monday.

Mayor said: “We’re delighted that The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, represented by their 1st Battalion, are exercising their Freedom of Pendle with a parade through Colne.

“I know that there will be many local people who would like to come along to show their appreciation for the regiment and in particular the Kingsmen of the 1st Battalion who have recently returned from a training exercise in Kenya and who will depart shortly for a three year tour in Cyprus.

“I for one am very much looking forward to the occasion and feel privileged that it’s happening within my mayoral year.”

Colonel Chris Owen, Regimental Secretary, said: “The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is the infantry regiment of the North West of England. We are a family regiment proud of our county birth rights and the close links we have with the cities and towns across the region.

“It is, however, a particular privilege for us to be able to exercise the Freedom of Pendle in Colne, for the first time.

It provides a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to the people of Pendle for the continuing support they show to our soldiers, no matter where they are serving - be it here at home or overseas.

“We’re very much looking forward to what will be a memorable day.”