With the pomp and circumstance behind them, 40 troops from 2nd Signal Regiment are now preparing to head out to the Falklands.

It is back to work for the 200 men and women who had proudly received Freedom of Entry to the City of York on Saturday as residents lined the streets to watch the hero soldiers receive the honour. Rows of people braved the wet weather to view the soldiers, swords drawn and bayonets fixed, as they marched from Duncombe Place to the Mansion House then back down to Parliament Street to York Minster.

A highlight for many was the salute given at the Mansion House, a glorious display of ceremony from the troops who had worked so hard during the floods.

The Freedom of Entry into the City was bestowed upon the soldiers by the Lord Mayor, Coun Shan Braund, who thanked the troops for their work during the floods and praised them for the great work they also do for charity in the city.

After the parade, Major Steve May, second in command of the regiment, based at Imphal Barracks, said: "It is encouraging to see so many people out on the streets. It is a great honour for us, and everything went to plan."

Updated: 10:50 Monday, January 29, 2001