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Hundreds of people turned out to watch troops from three military regiments march through Andover on Sunday in celebration of their freedom of the borough. Service personnel from 22 Engineer Regiment, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and the Army Air Corps paraded through the town in a spectacular display of ceremony and tradition. The march set off at 12.45pm from Town Mills car park following an address from the Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Karen Hamilton. Led by the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regimental Band, the parade headed up Bridge Street towards Eastern Avenue where the troops saluted the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and the Mayor. The march ended at St Mary’s Church where a flypast by the Army Air Corps marked the start of a commemoration service for the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Ian Carr, said: “I am delighted we were able to bring the troops together for this fantastic event. I would like to thank everyone who turned up on the day to support the troops as well as all those involved in organising the parade. “It was a real privilege to be there and I am pleased to say that we were lucky enough to enjoy some fantastic weather on the day.” Lt Col DJ Bickers MBE RE – Commanding Officer 22 Engineer Regiment, said: “The Armed Forces draw much resilience from the strength of their relationships with the communities from which they recruit and in which they are based.  I therefore have no doubt that, following the amazing turn out by the people of Andover at Sunday’s Freedom Parade, that the relationship between 22 Engineer Regiment and the community of Andover is in great shape.” Lt Col AFJ Betts, Commanding Officer 3 PWRR, said: “The TIGERS (3PWRR) were delighted to conduct this Freedom Parade though Andover on Sunday.  It was a very special privilege and a real honour; the people of Andover could not have supported us more. Thank you to all that came out to cheer us on!” Commandant Colonel Jon Bryant, Army Air Corps, said: “The Army Air Corps has very close ties with the local Andover community and we have enjoyed being able to participate in the Freedom parade. We are grateful for the relationship we have with the public and the appreciation they have shown to us. It was an absolute privilege to have been involved.” The freedom of the borough is the highest award that the Council can bestow. Those granted the freedom are able to march through the streets “with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, colours flying, drums beating and bands playing”.