Dorset Soldiers On Parade

12 July 2010, 13:27 | Updated: 12 July 2010, 13:51

Around 3000 people turned out to cheer on Dorset's armed forces in Wareham at the weekend.

Soldiers based at Bovington and Lulworth paraded through the town to celebrate receiving the Freedom of the District.

Captain Sean James told Heart what it means for the troops:

"We're all very proud of the sacrifices they've made and they continue to make. To be granted the freedom of a town or a city is one of the highest honours that a local authority can give."

Chairman of Purbeck District Council, Councillor Eric Osmond presented scrolls marking the Freedom to the Armour Centre of Bovington and Lulworth and to the Old Boys Association of the Junior Leaders’ Regiment of the Royal Armoured Corps. 

The Light Cavalry Band led the parade of soldiers past and present and armoured vehicles including the Panther, the Warthog, the Scimitar and the Warrior formed the rear of the procession.

Councillor Osmond said: “The district has such strong links with the local armed forces and I am delighted that we have been able to make those links even stronger.  In all my years here I’ve never seen such a spectacle in the town.”