TROOPS are set to march through Abingdon later this year to exercise the Freedom of the Vale.

Earlier this month the honorary Freedom of the Vale was awarded to the town's 3 and 4 Regiments of the Royal Logistic Corps, and The Rifles.

The award was made at a special meeting of Vale of White Horse District Council by chairman Mike Badcock and scrolls were presented to representatives from each of the regiments.

Council chairman Mike Badcock said: "I’m delighted that we have honoured the three regiments with the Freedom of the Vale.

"This recognises the vital contribution they make to life in the district, particularly around the Abingdon area, and the service they give to the country.

"I expect the soldiers from 3 and 4 RLC to parade through the town on a Saturday in October, and The Rifles will parade through Faringdon at a date to be fixed.

"We want the Abingdon parade to take place on a Saturday so that the soldiers' families can all be there to see them marching."

Colonel Paul Fish, Abingdon Station Commander, said: "I’m delighted that two of my regiments have been bestowed with the Honorary Freedom of the Vale of White Horse.

"The two regiments have been based at Dalton Barracks since the Corps was formed in 1993.

"These units are extremely proud of the links and bonds that have been formed and maintained within the local community.

"The award of this Freedom further strengthens these ties and is a great honour.

"We all look forward to a parade through Abingdon later in 2016."