BAYONET-wielding guardsmen marched into York's city centre today - to a warm welcome from crowds of residents and tourists.
York's own cavalry regiment, the Royal Dragoon Guards, exercised their right to the Freedom of the City by passing through the city's streets with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying.
Headed by the scarlet-uniformed Band of the Dragoon Guards, three squadrons of soldiers carried arms as they trooped past York Minster to gather at Duncombe Place, where they were inspected by the Lord Mayor, Coun Irene Waudby. It was the start of a day of events in which the regiment attended a service of dedication at All Saints' Church, in Pavement, the regimental church, for a stained glass window commemorating former members of the regiment.
And a GNER locomotive was due to be named the Royal Dragoon Guards at York station later today
The regiment, currently based at York Barracks in Munster, Germany, was garrisoned in York in the 1700s.
In 1829, members helped put out a fire which threatened to destroy York Minster.
Updated: 12:39 Saturday, March 16, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article