Crowds brave rain to cheer troops

Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry took part in the centenary parade

Hundreds of people braved the rain to cheer on troops and cadets taking part in a centenary parade for the Territorial Army (TA) in Canterbury.

Serving soldiers, veterans and TA troops marched through the Kent city towards the cathedral where a special service was being held on Saturday.

Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry, the most recent living recipient of the Victoria Cross, also took part.

The march was held in Canterbury to mark 100 years of the TA.

Crowds turned out despite the rain to watch the troops, led by the band of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, as they marched from Pound Lane on to High Street and Butchery Lane.

'Great honour'

When the procession reached Butchery Lane General Sir Richard Dannatt took the salute.

Sir Richard said: "It is a great honour to be asked to take the salute at the parade in Canterbury and to read the lesson at the thanksgiving service in Canterbury Cathedral on what will be a very special occasion."

He added: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Kent to enjoy the greatest spectacle of its kind for years and at the same time demonstrates their support for all the forces of the Crown, past and present."