THE rain poured and the wind swirled but it didn't damped the spirits of those who turned out in Avenham Park on Sunday to mark the Defence of Kimberley.

Veterans, TA troops, cadets and VIPs, pictured, marched on the memorial to celebrate a unique battle honour of The Queen's Lancashire Regiment.

The siege of the South African town took place 99 years ago at the height of second Boer War when troops were subjected to some of the most dreadful conditions of deprivation.

Despite an enduring attack from the Africans which lasted for five months, the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment held out and were duly decorated.

This honour has been passed on to the Queen's Lancashires which was formed from the amalgamation of the Loyals with other infantry units in the county.

Major Maher who led the parade, said: "The weather was damp and cold but it didn't spoil what was a marvellous parade.

"There were 23 standards, more than a hundred old soldiers, Territorial Army troops and cadets."

The Defence of Kimberley is of particular significance to the Fourth Battalion of QLR as their headquarters in Deepdale Road is named after it.

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