THE YORKSHIRE Regiment is to be given the Freedom of Barnoldswick after councillors voted to honour the war dead from across the border.

Until 1974 the town was historically a part of Yorkshire and with the town’s war memorial set to be re-dedicated later this year, it was proposed to honour those from the town who had served for the Yorkshire Regiment. Councillors voted unanimously to go ahead with the move, but the local war memorial group said the move had not been welcomed by all of the town.

Peter Thompson, who served in the Royal Navy and is a member of the war memorial group, said: “At the time of both World Wars, Barnoldswick was in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

“Of the 319 service personnel who died in the First World War, 123 were from the regiments that were to become the present day Yorkshire Regiment.

“It was therefore decided that for historic reasons to invite that Regiment to take part in the re-dedication event, this they have agreed to do.

“Sadly, we are now under pressure from within Lancashire from they who do not appear to understand this town’s historic links with Yorkshire.

“The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment were made aware of what we are doing at the outset, they would still be welcome and already have the Freedom of the Borough of Pendle. Our town’s cadet force are from the Duke of Lancaster's and they will be taking part, mounting the Colour Guard for the Royal British Legion.

“This is not the time for cross border rivalries or any political objections. We have worked with all parties and beliefs to make this event special and successful.

“In the First World War, about one third of the male population of Barnoldswick were eligible for service, for age and health reasons. One third of these did not return home, a heavy price for a small town.”