SOLDIERS from the 2nd Battalion, the Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) will be joining a military parade through the city later this year, it has been revealed.

More than 400 soldiers will join the Queen’s Royal Hussars and the Grenadier Guards in the parade on Wednesday, June 27.

The Mayor of Worcester David Tibbutt said he was “thrilled” the infantry regiment would be represented for what is set to be one of the largest military parades outside London in the run-up to Armed Forces Day. I will feature 790 troops.

The presence of both the Hussars – the county’s armoured regiment – and the Mercians is even more timely as both have just returned from tours of Afghanistan.

The Band of the Grenadier Guards – whose 1st Battalion is currently in Afghanistan – will be leading the parade, with the Pipes and Drums of the QRH.

Veterans will also be joining the march, together with the Mercians’ mascot Lance Corporal Derby (the regimental ram). Both the Mercians and the Grenadiers have been granted the freedom of the city.

Councillor Tibbutt said: “I am thrilled the Mercians can join us for this special day. This is a truly fitting occasion for Worcester to show its support and appreciation of our servicemen and women and everything they do to ensure Britain’s safety and freedom.

“I encourage the city’s residents and visitors to line the streets to honour these brave troops and veterans.”

Brigadier Mark Banham, regional Army commander (143 Brigade) said: “It’s heartening to see the pride with which Worcester is recognising the Armed Forces’ efforts.”

The parade route will see soldiers fall in at Quay Street at 11am, marching across Deansway into Broad Street.

Soldiers will then move into High Street where the mayor and other VIPs will take the salute outside the Guildhall, before they turn into Pump Street, then the Shambles and then back into Broad Street before falling out again at Quay Street.

A reception at the Guildhall will follow. There is as a public event at the racecourse on Pitchcroft, where the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band will play.

One of the races will be in aid of Help For Heroes, the injured servicemen’s charity.

l Councils, including Worcester City, Wychavon District and Malvern Hills District, are to sign an Armed Forces covenant on Friday June 29.