SOLDIERS from the Queen's Lancashire Regiment stopped Rawtenstall in its tracks when they exercised their new right to march their freedom of the borough.
At a special meeting of the council the Mayor of Rossendale Coun Jimmy Eaton conferred the Freedom of the Borough on the regiment and the soldiers, buglers, band, veterans and even tanks took to the streets to the delight of crowds who lined the streets. The right to march 'drums beating, bands playing, colours flying and bayonets fixed' has been enjoyed by the QLR in Haslingden for many years, but it has now been extended to cover the whole of the borough.
The Mayor took the salute on Bank Street at its junction with Kay Street but the loudest cheers and applause were saved for local veteran Walter Whittaker who was pushed in a wheelchair and brought up the rear of the procession.
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