Rifles get freedom of the county

The freedom of the county has been awarded to the First Battalion, The Rifles, in a unanimous vote.

Gloucestershire County Council decided to make the award in recognition of the support The Rifles gave during last year's floods.

Freedom of the county allows the regiment to parade through the streets with swords drawn, bands playing, drums beating and colours flying.

They will be given the award on their return from Afghanistan in the spring.

Councillor Maureen Rutter, of the county council, said: "Whatever the rights and wrongs of individual conflicts, our service personnel deserve our grateful thanks for what they do for our country."

During the floods of summer 2007 The Rifles helped with the flood defence operation.

They assisted the emergency services with rescues and with the distribution of essential water supplies.

There will be a special service of thanksgiving at Gloucester Cathedral in the spring to celebrate the regiment's homecoming.

The Rifles will also take part in a public parade through the city of Gloucester.