Soldiers from the Second Battalion Mercian Regiment marched through Ilkeston and Long Eaton on Saturday.

The troops paraded through Long Eaton in the morning then moved on to march through Ilkeston in the afternoon.

The 300 soldiers set off from Derby Road, went up South Street and through the Market Place, where a salute was taken outside the Town Hall, before marching along Bath Street.

The streets were lined with supporters who clapped, waved flags and cheered the soldiers, who have recently returned from Afghanistan.

Major Tony Segar said: "We got a really warm and welcoming reception. All of us really enjoyed the march, there were so many people there.

"It was clear to us that Ilkeston is a community that is very proud of its soldiers and the soldiers are clearly proud of their town.

"The support shown mirrors the support we've received in the last 18
months, which is always important to us."

The soldiers were parading in the town to exercise their Freedom of the Borough.

Major Segar said: "The Freedom of the Borough goes back to the medieval times when soldiers weren't allowed in town centres in case they stole all the women and food.

"Freedom of the Borough means we can march through the towns with standards flying and bayonets fixed."

The Long Eaton and Ilkeston marches are the first of 15 to be held in districts across the region during March.

The Long Eaton parade saw troops march on West Gate, with the parade working its way along Main Street to the High Street, then through the Old Market Place and onto Tamworth Road.

Collections were held at both marches to raise money for the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.