Troops awarded Freedom of Medway

The Army has had a presence in Medway for more than 200 years

About 600 soldiers from the Corps of Royal Engineers have marched through the Kent town of Chatham on being granted the Freedom of Medway.

They left the town's Kitchener Barracks at 1100 BST, and marched towards the Medway Council offices at Gun Wharf.

They were met by the Mayor of Medway, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent and the Chief Royal Engineer for the salute.

The mayor presented a scroll and casket conferring the freedom to the Chief Royal Engineer in a private ceremony.

Brigadier AD Harking, commandant of the Royal School of Military Engineering, said the honour demonstrated the "longstanding part" the Corps had played "in the area's rich history".

"For more than 200 years the Army has maintained a strong presence in Medway, considered by Engineers as their spiritual home.

"Saturday's parade reflects our place within the community, which we hope may continue long into the future," he said.