THE DUKE of Lancaster’s Regiment is to parade through Colne next week.

On Monday, around 150 soldiers from the regiment, represented by its First Battalion, will attend a celebration church service at St Bartholomew’s, in Church Street.

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Shortly afterwards, they will parade, led by the band of the King’s Division, around the town centre before the mayor, Cllr Graham Roach, accompanied by Colonel Andrew Dennis, inspect the troops in front of the war memorial in Albert Road.

The Freedom of Pendle was automatically granted to the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, having been previously granted to one of its antecedent regiments, the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment (QLR) in 2001.

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However, this will be the first time the regiment, or the QLR, has been able to exercise this privilege and parade through Pendle.

It follows an invitation to do so from former mayor, Cllr Asjad Mahmood, back in 2012.

Cllr Roach said: “We’re delighted the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, represented by their First Battalion, are exercising their Freedom of Pendle with a parade.

“I know there will be many people who would like to come along to show their appreciation for the regiment.

“I for one am very much looking forward to the occasion and feel privileged that it’s happening within my mayoral year.”

People from Pendle and beyond are invited to come along to watch the parade.

Colonel Chris Owen, regimental secretary, said: “The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is the infantry regiment of the North West of England. We are a family regiment proud of our county birth rights.

“It is, however, a particular privilege for us to be able to exercise the Freedom of Pendle in Colne, for the first time. It provides a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to the people of Pendle for the continuing support they show to our soldiers, no matter where they are serving.”

The parade will start at the church at around midday.

Road closures will be in place for around two hours while the parade takes place. Colne town centre businesses operating within the road closures have been informed.