Wakefield turns out in force to honour Afghanistan troops

HUNDREDS of people turned out today to cheer troops from a regiment which has seen heavy casualties in Afghanistan as they marched through Wakefield city centre.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Sep 2010, 21:55 BST

Updated 11th Sep 2010, 21:56 BST

Soldiers from The Rifles were granted the Freedom of Wakefield following a parade through the city.

The 3 Rifles troops returned from Afghanistan in April after a tour which saw 30 soldiers killed in a 1,400-strong battlegroup which also included The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Dozens more were injured.

The regiment was presented with the honour by the Mayor of Wakefield, Councillor Tony Wallis, and the parade was inspected by the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, who also took the salute.

The Rifles were granted the Freedom of Wakefield in succession to The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry who were amalgamated into the regiment in 2007.