HUNDREDS lined the streets of York today to watch hero soldiers receive the city's greatest honour.

Throngs of people braved the wet weather in Duncombe Place, giving a well-deserved ovation to the men and women of 2 Signal Regiment.

They watched as the Freedom of Entry into the City was bestowed upon the soldiers who had worked round the clock to defend York from the worst floods in 400 years.

The Lord Mayor, Coun Shan Braund, thanked the troops for their work during the floods and praised them for the great work they also do for charity in the city.

Coun Braund said: "I am very pleased to have the honour of bestowing this award on the Regiment. Their unstinting efforts alongside the emergency services and council workers reflects the commitment of the Regiment to the city of York."

Receiving the honour, Lieut Col Ian Cameron-Mowat said: "We have long regarded York

as our home, and receiving the Freedom of the City today we are truly a part of this historic and special city."

A number of the crowd consisting of friends and families of the troops, as well as grateful York citizens, followed the soldiers as they marched through the streets of the city to the Mansion House.

Their honour came after troops braved torrential rain and bitter cold to bolster flood defences against the swollen River Ouse and worked shoulder to shoulder with City of York Council staff churning out sand

After rapturous applause, the 200 troops drew swords and fixed bayonets, as is their right following the ceremony.

To the music of the bands of the Royal Corps of Signals and the Royal Signals Territorial Army the troops were inspected by the Lord Mayor.

Then the troops marched through the city again to applause from bystanders.

bags at the Council's depot.

Updated: 13:00 Saturday, January 27, 2001