Royal Irish granted freedom of Market Drayton

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, have been awarded the freedom of their adopted town.

The regiment, based at Clive Barracks in Tern Hill, was awarded the freedom of Market Drayton at a town council meeting last night.

Freedom of the town allows service personnel to march through the area on ceremonial occasions with drums beating, bands playing and banners flying.

All members of the regiment, who returned from Afghanistan last month, have been granted the honour.

Market Drayton mayor Councillor Roger Smith said: "This is something I have wanted for quite some time and I am ecstatic that is has now been passed with a unanimous vote this evening.

"We are all very proud of the fine work the Royal Irish Regiment has done and I think this could be seen in the welcome home parade that we held for them on April 11.

"This is a civil recognition of the regiment's contribution to the town and for their courageous and often dangerous work in Afghanistan."

He added: "It is also recognition of their families who play a major part in allowing these soldiers to do what they do."

The news will come as a boost to the regiment whose latest tour of duty saw the tragic deaths of three soldiers — Ranger Aaron McCormick and Lance Corporal Stephen McKee, killed in action, as well as Ranger David Dalzell killed in an operational accident.

Councillor Mark Whittle, said: "I served in the Armed Forces and I know what it's like to lose one of your mates.

"There are lots and lots of injured lads out there and I think this is the perfect way to show them that we not only support them but appreciate them.

"I am absolutely over the moon that we have granted them this honour and that this council voted the proposal through unanimously.

"The soldiers have become a very big part of this town and have integrated into it fully.

"This will be our way of saying thank you.

"The whole town is fully behind them."

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, the Black Watch, received the freedom of Market Drayton back in 1992.

Councillor Smith said An official ceremony to confirm the honour will take place at a yet to be decided date in 2012.

By Joseph Masi