Duke of Lancaster's Regiment's freedom of Ribble Valley

Thousands of people have lined the streets of Clitheroe to see the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment receive the freedom of the Ribble Valley.

The crowd cheered as 130 soldiers marched through the town centre.

Ribble Valley mayor, Councillor Lois Rimmer, presented a scroll to the regiment's colonel, Brigadier Mike Griffiths.

Nine members of the regiment have been killed in the Afghanistan conflict, and many others seriously wounded.

Freedom of the borough allows the regiment to march through the area on ceremonial occasions with drums beating, bands playing and banners flying.

It is the first time Ribble Valley Council has granted the honour to a regiment.

Lt Col Frazer Lawrence said the troops were delighted by the crowd's welcome.

He added: "To be here in a key recruiting area for us and to see such strong support is superb."

After the march, the troops celebrated with a beer which had been brewed especially for the occasion.