THE Sappers were out in force at the weekend - celebrating a freedom of the city honour.

About 400 soldiers and officers from 38 Engineer Regiment, at Claro Barracks, Ripon were involved in three days of celebrations during their annual Ripon Weekend, in North Yorkshire.

Among the highlights was an interactive military display in the Market Square on Saturday and an open-air concert by the Corps Band. Throughout the weekend the Corps' silver - some of it dating from the Anglo-Zulu War and earlier - was also on display in the town hall.

Yesterday, the city reverberated to the sound of a full regimental parade, followed by a service in the cathedral.