Thousands of people from across Darlington and the North-East turned out to see the Freedom of the Borough given to 3 Rifles. Paul Cook was among the crowd.

AGAINST the background hum of the traffic, and sirens from a speeding ambulance, the first strains from the 3 Rifles’ band drifted across Darlington.

As they did, 150 proud soldiers started their march through the town centre.

As they turned into Northgate, the expectant chatter of the assembled crowd of wellwishers turned into rapturous applause, cheers and whistles.

People had come from far and wide to salute their heroes as they were given the Freedom of the Borough.

As you might expect, officers and soldiers were immaculately turned out, ready for their inspection – the loftier ranks in Rifles green of number one dress, soldiers in number two khaki dress with rifles by their side.

With medals glistening, they passed through a wall of noise. From the old post office building the 3 Rifles flag flew proud – the green, red and black colours rippling in the wind.

The crowd grew bigger and bigger as the parade made its way into the Market Square.

Included were 500 pupils from 16 schools across the borough, vigorously waving their Union flags. Also present were dignitaries, veterans, family and friends of the soldiers and their fallen colleagues, and thousands of wellwishers.

As the two companies lined up for the presentation, Darlington Mayor Bryan Thistlethwaite and Deputy Colonel Commandant Brigadier Justin Maciejewski made their way through the ranks.

The ceremony was interspersed by applause and shrill blasts from the Rifles’ silver band and buglers.

Readings and prayers, including the Lord’s Prayer, were read by the Reverend Robert Williamson, vicar of St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington, and Father Alex Strachan, the Rifles chaplain, before the main presentation.

The mayor welcomed the soldiers and their families, and remembered those wounded or killed in action.

He formally conferred the Freedom on the Rifles and presented Deputy Colonel Maciejewski with a scroll and invited him to sign the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Record Book.

In turn, the brigadier handed over a silver bugle, synonymous with the Rifles, to the town and thanked the region for its “unwavering support”

during the soldiers’ recent seven-month tour of Afghanistan.

The ceremony concluded with a call from the mayor for three cheers for the Rifles and an additional one for the bugle, before the soldiers marched once around the Market Square.

Douglas Hilton, 75, had travelled from Leeholme, near Bishop Auckland, for the ceremony.

He said: “It is a marvellous event. It is a truly wonderful spectacle without a doubt.

Ceremonies like this are very important. It is traditional and something we must keep up.”

Nine-year-old Bethany Soley was there with her school, Skerne Park. She said: “It is good to see the troops and it was good for the school to be invited.”

Wilf Emerson, a veteran who reached the rank of Lance Corporal with the First Light Infantry, a predecessor of 3 Rifles, said: “Today has been brilliant, especially with all the bairns, who really enjoyed it.

The reaction was great.”

Colonel Ted Shields, Colonel County Durham for 3 Rifles, and originally from Sunderland, said: “It is a hugely proud day. It is a quite exceptional reception from the people of Darlington.

It is an honour.”

Many of 3 Rifles come from the North-East and North Yorkshire. Among them were brothers Daniel and Karl Ward, from Bishop Auckland.

Daniel, who was with his fiancee, Amy, and 18-month old daughter Chloe, said: “You hear about all the support from back home, but you don’t always see it until you do these parades. It was a marvellous turnout.”

His brother said: “It was great to see all these people here. They never get the chance to see us and it gives us the chance to say thanks.”

As the crowds dispersed, Daniel and Karl’s mother, Kay, threw her arms around them. “It is a very proud day for the town and for everybody else,” she said. “I was so very proud, you just can’t explain how much.”

There was no need for explanation, it was there for all to see.

Region continues to show pride

YESTERDAY’S freedom parade through Darlington for 3 Rifles was one of three in the North-East.

Today, they will be in Stockton, and tomorrow in Sunderland.

A fourth parade is in Wakefield, on Saturday.

Stockton’s parade starts at 12.30pm from Church Road along the High Street, past the war memorial, and back up High Street at 12.50pm for a civic reception.

Tomorrow’s parade in Sunderland starts at noon and marches along Burdon Road to the war memorial for inspection.