GUNNERS will re-affirm affiliations with the North-East following their safe return from the Afghan war zone later this month.

More than 300 members of 4 Regiment Royal Artillery will go on a city centre parade, followed by presentation and inspection, in Sunderland, on Friday, October 22.

Known as the North-East Gunners, the regiment heavily recruits in the region.

More than two-thirds of the regiment are from the North- East and the regiment was granted the Freedom of Sunderland in the early Seventies.

It traditionally exercises its freedom with parades through the city, the last being in July 2008, after its previous stint in Afghanistan.

Sunderland City Council leader, Councillor Paul Watson, said: “I hope people will applaud the regiment as the Gunners rightly mark their Freedom of the City with this parade.”

In the past ten years, the regiment has served in Macedonia, in Iraq, on peacekeeping duties with the United Nations in Cyprus, as well as in Afghanistan’s Helmand district.

Regimental commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Chris Squier said: “The regiment is immensely proud of its association with Sunderland as our home city and we’re honoured to once again mark the freedom.

“We are keen to provide an opportunity to thank the people of Sunderland and the North-East for their awesome support during our tour of duty, and we hope they will join us on the day to show their pride in what is their regiment.”

The homecoming freedom parade is expected to take place between 11am and noon, with details to be confirmed later by the city council.