THEY may have only been based in Tynedale for the last 18 months, but already the district has taken the soldiers of 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery to their hearts.

And, just as they have for Armistice and Armed Forces Day events in the past, large crowds are expected to gather in Hexham town centre on Saturday, November 12 as the regiment is granted the Freedom of Northumberland.

In a poignant parade held just last summer, the soldiers said goodbye to the north German town of Bergen after 17 years by marching proudly through the streets.

It signified the end of a 70-year association between the British Army and Bergen, and saw hundreds of townspeople line the streets to say a final farewell to the troops.

After the formal parade inspection, the regiment was presented with the highest honour the German government can bestow to an allied unit.

The Fahnenband, a ribbon which was fixed to their 105mm light gun, was presented in recognition of their service to peace and freedom in Germany.

The main body of the regiment then began its journey to Albemarle Barracks last July, replacing the 39 Regiment Royal Artillery, the Welsh Gunners, who had been stationed there for 20 years.

So what better way to formally welcome 3RHA to Northumberland than with the highest honour the county can bestow upon them?

Granting the freedom is an ancient honour given to military organisations, allowing them the privilege to march through the streets ‘with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed’.

The regimental band will lead more than 200 soldiers through the town for the occasion on Saturday – which promises to be quite a spectacle.

The march will start at Wentworth Leisure Centre at 1.45pm and the parade will travel up Priestpopple, before moving on to Beaumont Street.

The regiment will present itself at 2pm for inspection by the Vice-Lord Lieutenant, the civic head of Northumberland County Council, the commander of 1st Artillery Brigade and the Mayor of Hexham.

Beaumont Street will be closed from 6am to 3pm.

Roads on Chisholm Place, Priestpopple, Cattle Market and Battle Hill will be closing from 1.45pm on a temporary rolling basis.