Freedom of the Borough

Over 7,000 people gathered in Clitheroe town centre to see the Freedom of Ribble Valley presented to the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

The event was 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.

"Freedom of entry" dates from Roman times, when troops were not allowed to enter a town or city bearing arms without the express permission of the authorities. These days, it is a ceremonial honour showing the ties between a borough and a particular regiment.

Councillor Rimmer said: "The opportunity for a municipal borough to show its recognition of the armed services rarely arises and this event honoured the servicemen and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

"Residents turned out in force to offer the soldiers a warm Ribble Valley welcome during a superb event that was truly uplifting."

Ribble Valley Borough Council granted "freedom of the borough" to the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, which has 40 serving soldiers from Ribble Valley, following a meeting in the council chamber last year.

As such, the regiment will be able to march through Ribble Valley on ceremonial occasions with "drums beating, bands playing and banners flying."

The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment was formed in 2006 following a merger between the King's Own Royal Border Regiment, the King's Regiment and the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, together with their respective companies of the Lancastrian and Cumbrian Volunteers, and the King's Cheshire Regiment.

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