Yorkshire soldiers to march through the city

The troop of 200 serving soldiers from the battalion - which was granted the Freedom of the City of Wakefield in 2010 - will start their parade at the Elizabethan Gallery on Brook Street at 10.55am.

They will then march along Brook Street, Westmoreland Street and the Bull Ring, arriving at the cathedral at 11am where there will be speeches and an inspection of the troops with the Mayor of Wakefield, Coun Sandra Pickin.

The troops will leave the cathedral and parade down the precinct on to Kirkgate, up Westmoreland Street, the Bull Ring, up Little Westgate, on to Marygate, Westmoreland Street, on to Brook Street and back to the Elizabethan Gallery.

A number of roads will be closed to the traffic during the event and motorists are advised to follow diversions.

Coun Peter Box, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “It is a great honour to welcome the Yorkshire Regiment 3rd Battalion The Rifles to Wakefield where they have the honour of the Freedom of the City.

“The parade is our opportunity to honour and celebrate our British servicemen and women who are serving all over the world on behalf of their country.

“This occasion is also a time to remember those who have died or have been injured in the line of duty.”

Coun Pickin added: “I encourage residents to come along and line the streets to give the troops a warm Wakefield welcome and show their support.”