Soldiers Cheered On In Bournemouth

26 July 2010, 07:27 | Updated: 26 July 2010, 08:24

Thousands of you turned out to cheer on The Rifles as they were granted The Freedom of The Borough in Bournemouth yesterday.

300 soldiers marched from Pier Approach, through the gardens and up to the B.I.C on Sunday afternoon.

HRH the Duke of Gloucester was there, alongside councillors, MP's, veterans and the families of Cpt Mark Hale and Riflemen Jonny Allot and Phil Allen - the Dorset soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan.

Fellow soldier, Rifleman Daniel Stanaway told HEART:

"I'm from Bournemouth, so it makes me kind of proud to be doing this in my home town. I have my family and friends here - it makes it quite emotional, especially because the families of the lads we've lost are here today. It means a lot."

One woman, whose husband was taking part in the event, told HEART:

"This will show that the people do love them, that the people do need them, and that they appreciate what they're doing."

Brenda Stoddart from Bournemouth watched on as her son took part in the march:

"I'm very proud of him and the others - I think they do a marvellous job for the country. Brilliant. Hopefully to see everyone here supporting them has made them proud too. The turn-out today has been fantastic."