SOLDIERS from the oldest regiment in the British Army defied the harsh weather to march through a city yesterday on their way to London.

One hundred soldiers from the Coldstream Guards are taking part in a 425-mile march from Edinburgh to the Tower of London.

The event is to commemorate the march on Parliament in January 1660 by General George Monck.

He took 6,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry on a 34-day march.

He seized control of the Commons and restored Charles II to power. He was rewarded with a dukedom and his army became the Coldstream Guards.

Today’s soldiers aim to arrive in the capital on January 30.

Major James Coleby, who is leading the march, said: “It is a fantastic opportunity to follow in the footsteps of General Monck. Considering England’s sub-zero, snowbound and freezing conditions, this march through the country could be similar to the one done 350 years ago.”

The soldiers were in Durham yesterday, and expect to be on the North York Moors tomorrow, at Ampleforth College on Wednesday and at York on Thursday.

The soldiers are joined by their mascot, Baxter Bear, and for every teddy sold at baxterbear.com website, £4 will be given to the Army Benevolent Fund.