SOLDIERS from the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment paraded through Manchester as they were awarded the freedom of the city.

Hundreds of people turned out in force to see the soldiers of the regiment, formerly the Queen's Lancashire Regiment - which recruits from across Lancashire - being given the honour to mark their return from a seven month tour of duty in Iraq.

It is the highest civilian honour that can be awarded on a military unit.

The regiment's 1st Battalion is due to fly out to Iraq to undertake a six-month tour of duty from November.