Eastbourne army reservists in farewell parade

An army reservists squadron is being wound up as part of a national reorganisation of the reserve armed forces.

Eastbourne's 56 Signal Squadron has been based in the East Sussex town for more than 40 years and received the freedom of the borough in 2000.

Poppy Davies, partner of one of the soldiers, said it was the end of something that was very important to people.

The signallers based at Eastbourne are no longer needed as all army personnel are now trained in communications.

They are being given the opportunity to retrain as infantry soldiers with 3rd Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (PWRR), currently based in Brighton.

However, as women cannot serve on the front line, female members of 56 Signal Squadron will not be able to join the infantry. Maj Sarah Trevelion will be joining a signallers unit in London.

Julian Brazier, Conservative MP for Canterbury and Whitstable, who serves on the defence select committee, said he could understand the sadness of people who had served for a long time in this unit, but unfortunately their role had disappeared.