HUNDREDS of people turned out to see soldiers from the Royal Welsh regiment march through Abergavenny for a historic freedom parade.

Around 70 soldiers marched through the town last Saturday for the Reaffirmation of the Freedom of Monmouthshire Parade.

The regiment was given the freedom of Monmouthshire in 2011 in recognition of its association with Monmouthshire and service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The honour allows the regiment to parade through any of the county’s towns, with Saturday being the first such occasion.

Solders from the regiment, preceded by their band and Shenkin the Regimental goat mascot took part in the march, attended by dignitaries including the mayor of Abergavenny.

Martin Hickman, armed forces champion on Abergavenny Town Council, said the parade proved popular in the town.

“It was a real spectacle to see and it was great to be involved,” he said.

“It was something of a one-off occasion, which we are not likely to see for a while again.”

Company Sergeant Major Richard Pask MC said it was a “successful parade.”

He added: “The parade was a great chance for Charlie company to show their professionalism while conducting drills in the presence of the Royal Welsh colours and the dignitaries that surrounded us.

“All in all, it was a successful parade.”

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Kilmister said soldiers appreciated the warm reception.

“The regiment are enormously proud to exercise the Freedom of Monmouthshire by marching through Abergavenny last Saturday with colours flying, bayonets fixed and drums beating,” he said.

“The soldiers really appreciated the warm reception they received from the vast crowds that lined the streets.

“It was certainly a day to remember.”