SOLDIERS who have seen frontline action in Afghanistan will proudly parade through Kidder-minster after it was announced their regiment would receive the freedom of the town.

Town Mayor Mike Shellie has invited British Army troops from the Mercian Regiment's 2nd Battalion (Worcesters and Foresters) to march through the streets, on Saturday, March 15.

Led by commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton, more than 100 troops, mostly from the unit's C Company, will be joined by Royal British Legion members for the spectacle.

It will be the first time since 1992 soldiers from Wyre Forest's local regiment have marched in the town.

The battalion's soldiers were involved in gruelling battles with the Taliban in Afghanistan last year, losing nine comrades and seeing more than 20 seriously injured.

Mr Shellie said: "It's a major thing for the town and the soldiers and I think people will support them. We wanted it on a Saturday so the maximum number of people can be here."

The ceremonial event is civic recognition of the soldiers' efforts and links with the town. Several of those on parade will be from Kidderminster.

With freedom of the town, the regiment can march through Kidderminster with colours flying and bayonets fixed, without giving notice.

The unit, previously the 1st Battalion Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, has a proud and combat-hardened history stretching back more than 300 years, gaining 23 Victoria Crosses and 186 battle honours.

"The Woofers", as the unit was affectionately known, and two other regiments were merged last year to form the Mercians.

The parade will muster - without rifles - in Bateman's Yard car park, move off along New Road at 11am and turn right into Corporation Street, left at the Exchange Street junction and cross the road bridge into the civic space by Slingfield Mill.

Parading with their regimental colours at the front, the soldiers will march past Mr Shellie and fellow civic dignitaries at about 11.15am, before coming to attention.

The Mayor will then inspect the troops before reading the new charter granting the regiment the freedom of the town.

Afterwards, the parade will march over Husum Bridge, go left along Vicar Street, right into High Street and right again into Worcester Street, before falling out to "skirmish around the town". The troops and their officers will then attend a town hall buffet.

The town's weekend market is running as normal.