PEOPLE in Colne took time time out from their Saturday shopping to line the streets to watch soldiers from the Queen's Lancashire Regiment march through the town. Drums were beating, flags were flying and bayonets were fixed in traditional style when the regiment was awarded the Freedom of Pendle Borough.

Over 100 soldiers from the regiment based at Alma Barracks, Catterick, marched from the Municipal Hall through the pedestrian precinct, past the town hall and then return, led by Parade Commander Simon Downey.

They added a welcome burst of colour in the typical grey, wet, rainy weather.

They marched to the music of the King's Division Normandy band and the Regiment's Corps of drums. The new Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Geoff Sheldon took the salute accompanied by the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Stephen Davies.

The Freedom of the Borough was granted at a ceremony at a special meeting of Pendle Council in Colne Town Hall.

The official motion was moved by the Mayor, Coun Colin Waite, seconded by former Mayor, Coun Ian Gilhespy and supported by deputy mayor, Coun Pauline McCormick and council leader Coun Azhar Ali.

The motion read: "That this council wish to place on record their high appreciation of, and their debt of gratitude to, the officers and men of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment and, in the light of the long and close association between the Borough and the Regiment resolve that the Freedom of the Borough be conferred on the Regiment and that they be granted the right, privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of Pendle on all ceremonial occasions with drums beating, bands playing, colours flying and bayonets fixed." The Freedom Scroll was then signed.

It is only the second time since the Regiment was formed in 1970 that it has been honoured in this way, the other being by Fylde council in 1989.