MORE than 200 soldiers marched through a city's streets this weekend with drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed.

Troops from 2 Signal Regiment, the 1st Battalion the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment and the Prince of Wales's Own Company of the East and West Riding Regiment exercised the Freedom of the City of York.

The soldiers, led by the Lancashire Artillery Band, were joined by Army cadets from the York Detachment of B Company, the Army Cadet Force, and veterans, on Saturday.

The Freedom Scroll was read by the chief executive of York Council, David Atkinson, before the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Charles Hall, reviewed the troops.

Dame Judi Dench, originally from the city, was awarded the Freedom of York during a ceremony at the Minster.

Composer John Barry has also been given the freedom of the city and civic trust activist John Shannon has been made an honorary freeman.

The three were the first to receive the honour since the Duchess of Kent in 1989.

A military open day also took place in the city centre, with displays set up for shoppers in Parliament Street and St Samson's Square.

Popular attractions were a field kitchen, where passers-by could sample Army food cooked by chefs, a climbing wall and a laser dome.

Lieutenant Colonel John May, Commander Regional Recruiting for the North-East and Yorkshire, said: "It was a great way to demonstrate the team work and everyday challenges involved in Army life and it also gave people the chance to talk to their soldiers."