WANTAGE was ablaze with scarlet uniforms, bearskins and bands as the 1st Battalion Scots Guards were given the freedom of the town.

One hundred Guardsmen and officers in full ceremonial uniform marched through the town on Saturday, with crowds lining the streets from Newbury Street to the Market Place to applaud and cheer on the soldiers.

Among those enjoying the spectacle was 99-year-old veteran Ernest Eltham, of Grove, with his wife, Gladys, 91.

Daughter Julie Carpenter said: “It was lovely, they both really loved it. My dad was in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and served in Burma during the war, so he was very proud to see all the servicemen today.

“A soldier in front of us was actually wearing the infantry insignia, which my dad recognised.”

She said: “This was a really special occasion for them.”

Wantage Silver Band started the day’s proceedings with a performance of the Lockinge March, written in 1877 to celebrate the unveiling of the town’s King Alfred statue.

The Guards then presented arms to the Regimental Colonel of the Scots Guards, the Duke of Kent.

Other dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Tim Stevenson, also watched the presentation of a scroll, granting the regiment the Freedom of Wantage.

Wantage mayor Charlotte Dickson said: “It was a fantastic day for Wantage.

“For all of us, it was a great way to show our appreciation for all our servicemen and women. There was a lot of goodwill behind them.”

High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Penelope Glen said: “It was splendid, the whole thing was spectacular. And it was so uplifting. There are so many tragic things happening in the world, it’s lovely to have a day like today.”

The crowds were then treated to a Royal Air Force fly-past and a military freefall parachute display.

Former town councillor John Coates, 83, and his wife May were also there with members of their family.

Mr Coates said: “We’ve lived here since 1964 and ever since we have been in the area we’ve gone to everything and I’ve never known such support.

“Around the square, it was at least four people deep all the way around. I was surprised to see so many people.”

He said: “It was all good. The Scots Guards band was particularly great, especially the pipes.”

Commanding officer of the battalion Lieutenant Colonel Lincoln Jopp said: “It is a great honour to be awarded the freedom of Wantage.

“To see 96 of Scotland’s finest on parade in Wantage was a magnificent sight. I’m extremely proud of my men and enjoy opportunities such as this for the public to get up close and personal and to hear of their experiences.

“We enjoy wonderful support from the great British public and I would like to thank, on behalf of the Scots Guards, the people of Oxfordshire and Wantage in particular, for cheering us on today.”