Chippenham town council is planning to give the freedom of the town to two regiments.

Commanders of the Ninth Regiment Royal Logistics Corps based at Buckley Barracks, Hullavington and the First Rifles Battalion based in Salisbury have said they would be delighted to receive the honour and take part in parades.

Both are expected to march through the town with full pomp and ceremony on different dates later in the year.

Town clerk Sue Wilthew said: “Both regiments have accepted the freedom of the town.

“We are delighted to be offering them the honour. The next step for us is to look at the calendar to find an appropriate time for them to take part in the ceremony. The town council will be scheduling a special meeting to officially announce the good news, but this is a formality.

“The honour itself will be given following a march through the town. It’s a very public event for the whole community to recognise these men and women.”

Mrs Wilthew confirmed that the regiments are likely to accept the honour on two separate occasions. She said:“This is a way for us to say a very special and personal thank you to them.”

“They are very keen to explore opportunities to be part of the community outside of their military duties,” she said.

Following the parade, troops will accept the traditional freedom scroll from the Mayor.

The first move towards bestowing the honour was made by former town clerk Laurie Brown who wrote to the First Rifles Battalion, which is part of an amalgamated regiment that includes The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment, in September 2010.

More recently Mrs Wilthew met a representative from the Ninth Regiment Royal Logistics Corps.

A spokesman from Buckley Barracks said: “It’s a fantastic honour and we’re absolutely delighted.

“This is a regiment that actually lives in Chippenham, so to be recognised by the town is very special.”

The last freedom of the town was granted to RAF Rudloe Manor nearly 20 years ago in 1992.