SIX thousand wellwishers are expected to line the streets when the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is presented with the Freedom of Ribble Valley.

Town centre traders and businesses have pledged to make Clitheroe awash with red, white and blue for the event.

Around 6,000 spectators, including 2,000 schoolchildren, are set to watch the 130 soldiers from the 1st Battalion parade through town.

They will march from the bottom of Moor Lane to Market Place at 10.45am on Thursday, March 10, where they will be presented with the Freedom of the Borough scroll by Ribble Valley Mayor Lois Rimmer.

The soldiers will tuck into Liberation Ale courtesy of brewer Daniel Thwaites, as well as a special sausage, the Duke of Lancaster’s, devised by Cowman’s Famous Sausage Shop of Clitheroe, at a reception afterwards.

Ian Lloyd, president of the Clitheroe and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: “Our members will be pulling out the stops to ensure the town centre looks resplendent for this historic occasion.

“We are pleased to play our part in ensuring the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment enjoys a warm welcome to our wonderful borough.”

Coun Rimmer said: “This kind of initiative is what makes Ribble Valley such a special place and we are delighted that Clitheroe shops and businesses are helping us honour the servicemen and women who have served and continue to serve our country.”

The event will be marked by the signing of an illuminated scroll by civic dignitaries in the Ribble Valley Civic Suite, after which the scroll will be presented to Brigadier Mike Griffiths CBE.

Shopkeepers will aim to raise hundreds of pounds for the charity Afghan Heroes, by selling wristbands in their shops.

Click on the links below for our coverage of the Blackburn homecoming parade.