Freedom of the Borough

REGIMENT VOWS TO MAKE BOROUGH PROUD

THE Brigadier of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment has said: "We intend making the people of Ribble Valley proud."

The Freedom of Ribble Valley is to be presented to the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment on Thursday, March 10.

The event will be marked by the presentation of a scroll to Brigadier Mike Griffiths CBE by Ribble Valley Mayor Lois Rimmer in Market Place, Clitheroe, following a march through the town centre by 130 soldiers from the regiment's 1st Battalion supported by the Band of the King's Division.

And Brigadier Griffiths has said the regiment intends living up to the honour.

He said: "The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment is very proud of being recognised in such a significant way by the people of Ribble Valley. 

"The last 15 months on operations have been a very testing time for our soldiers and their families, but knowing that we have such immense support at home, especially in Ribble Valley, has made our job so much easier. 

"On behalf of all our ranks and their families, I would like to thank Councillor Lois Rimmer, councillors and residents for giving us the highest honour that the borough can bestow. 

"We intend to live up to the granting of the Freedom of the Borough and make the people of Ribble Valley ever more proud of their regiment."

And Ribble Valley Mayor Lois Rimmer has issued a rallying call to local residents to turn out in force for the soldiers.

She said: "We are looking forward to a marvellous event and I invite local people to turn out in force to offer these brave servicemen and women a warm Ribble Valley welcome."