IT WAS a case of tanks for the memories for York's most senior soldier as he saluted the city for the final time.

Brigadier Richard Dennis, the Army's top commander in north-east England, has brought his three-and-half years in Yorkshire to an end by leaving for a new post.

And the 48-year-old, who headed the UK's largest brigade 15 (North East) Brigade during his time in York, said farewell to the city's Imphal Barracks in style as Territorial Army soldiers from the Queen's Own Yeomanry took him on a last tour around the camp in a light tank.

With the route lined by military and civilian Brigade and York Garrison staff and soldiers from 2 Signal Regiment, it was an emotional goodbye for Brigadier Dennis, who lives in York with his wife Suzannah and four sons.

"The highlight of my three-and-a-half years in Yorkshire and the north-east has been, for the first time in my military career, getting outside the barrack gates and being in touch with the communities we serve," he said.

  • See today's The Press for further details.