Soldiers from the First Battalion of The Rifles regiment will march through the centre of Devizes next June when they will be given the freedom of the town.

The Rifles was formed five years ago following the amalgamation of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment with others and the town council has been trying ever since to bestow the freedom of the town on the regiment as they have done on its predecessors.

A report to the town council’s community and civic resources committee on Tuesday night said: “Since that time there have been various discussions about a suitable date for the ceremony.

“However, commitments by the Battalion, including tours of Afghanistan, have made agreeing a date difficult.

“We have recently heard that the Battalion are now able to accept the council’s offer and would like the ceremony and parade to take place on June 2.”

Coun Charles Winchcombe said he was pleased to propose the council agrees the date and goes ahead with preparations for it.

Coun Margaret Taylor said she hoped it would not clash with celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.