SOLDIERS of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery marched through Hexham to receive a special honour on Saturday.

The regiment, based at Albemarle Barracks, was awarded the Freedom of Northumberland on Saturday, November 12.

Spectators were three or four deep on the footpaths lining the town centre, keen to get a glimpse of the troops as they passed.

At 2pm, the regiment stood to attention on Beaumont Street, ready for inspection by the Vice-Lord Lieutenant, the Commander of the 1st Artillery Brigade and the Mayor of Hexham.

A ceremonial 21 gun salute was also given in the Abbey Gardens, to mark the Granting of the Freedom.

The regiment has come to Albemarle after spending 17 years in the north German town of Bergen.

They replace the 39 Regiment Royal Artillery, the Welsh Gunners who had been stationed at Albermarle for 20 years.

For the full report, pick up this week's edition of the Hexham Courant.