THE commanding officer of one of the region's regiments said farewell to his troops after leading them on a city march.

Lieutenant Colonel Stuart MacRostie, of 2 Signal Regiment, led 100 soldiers through the streets on Saturday to mark their Freedom of the City of York.

It was his final task before leaving York to take up another posting, but he has pledged to return to the city.

Lt Col MacRostie said: "York holds lifelong memories for me and many friendships have been forged here. Although I am due to go abroad shortly on an operational tour, I have decided to make my permanent home here in York, so I will return."

The Freedom Parade was also the first official engagement of Brigadier Richard Dennis, the Army's senior commander in Yorkshire and the North-East.

Brig Dennis took command of the UK's largest brigade, 15 (North-East) Brigade, based in York, at the beginning of September.

He was accompanied on Saturday by the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Janet Looker, in reviewing the troops, which included members of B Company Yorkshire (North and West), the Army Cadet Force and members of the Royal Signal Association.

The Freedom Scroll was read by the chief executive of the City of York Council, David Atkinson, before the parade marched to the Mansion House, where the Lord Mayor and the Brigadier took the salute.