Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment stages marches

The regiment last marched through Tunbridge Wells four years ago in a homecoming parade

Seven towns across the south east of England are to welcome troops from the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (PWRR) in a series of parades.

The first took place in the Surrey town of Godalming on Saturday.

Members of the 3rd Battalion were presented with medals at Phillips Memorial Park.

Troops will also visit Tunbridge Wells and Folkestone in Kent, Arundel and Chichester in Sussex, Barnet in London, and Winchester in Hampshire.

The soldiers, known as the Tigers, will march to either exercise or receive the freedom of the towns.

'Symbolic parades'

There are three PWRR battalions, two regular and one territorial.

Members of the 3rd Battalion are taking part in the Godalming parade, while elements of both the 2nd Battalion and 1st Battalion will conduct the remainder.

The regiment recruits its soldiers and many of its officers from Kent, Sussex, Surrey, London, and Hampshire.

It is also the only infantry regiment that recruits from the Channel Islands.

Brigadier Richard Dennis, Colonel of the Regiment, said: "The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment is extremely proud to parade through the towns and cities we call home.

"We are an integral part of these communities and these parades are symbolic both of our gratitude for the tremendous support we receive and our ongoing commitment to this longstanding relationship."

PWRR is the most decorated of all British Army regiments, with 57 Victoria Crosses including the VC awarded to Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry in 2004 for his gallantry in Iraq.