The Lord Mayor of Nottingham spoke of his pride and admiration for the Armed Forces as soldiers from the Mercian Regiment marched through the city.

Members of the 2nd Battalion were met with applause when they exercised the Freedom of the City of Nottingham. More than 60 soldiers from ‘A’ Company moved through the streets led by the Regimental Mascot, Private Derby xxx. Music was provided by the Band of the Royal Signals.

In addressing the troops, Councillor Ian Malcolm said: “You are always welcome in the city. I am proud of your dedication, service and achievements.”

The soldiers of ‘A’ Company have a busy training year ahead that will culminate in a six-week exercise in Kenya in the autumn. Elsewhere, elements of 2 MERCIAN are deployed in Cyprus on Operation TOSCA, a six-month UN peacekeeping tour.