SOLDIERS took to the streets of Brynmawr today for The Royal Welsh Freedom of the Borough parade.

Even with the heavy downpour, hundreds of people turned up to watch A Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, exercise their Freedom of the Borough of Blaenau Gwent for the first time in eight years.

The parade took place following a ceremony outside the Market Hall cinema with a speech from the chairwoman of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council Mandy Moore.

With colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed, soldiers and officers were led out by The Royal Welsh Band and the goat major Llywelyn while hundreds of people clapped and applauded.

The troops have just come back from Estonia after an eight-month tour as part of operation cabrit and many of the soldiers who took part in the parade are from areas of Blaenau Gwent.

Gavin O’Connor, of the Army Press Office, said: “The troops always get massive public support, whenever they march in Wales it’s something that they look forward to.

“They always get great support and even with the weather we have had which is a bit rubbish people turn out. It means a lot to them, having that public support. It sticks with them while they do their training and go on operations.”

In her speech at the parade, Ms Moore, the chairwoman of Blaenau Gwent Council, said: “It’s all wonderful to see these elements of The Royal Welsh here in Brynmawr. The event represents together mutual commitment between The Royal Welsh and Blaenau Gwent.

“As the centenary year for the armistice the end of the first world war, it’s a particularly poignant moment to remember all the members of the armed forces who have given so much to us throughout the years, and to remember the proud armed forces history we have in Blaenau Gwent.

“It’s heartening to see so many people who have come from across our borough and much further afield to join in this fantastic event and to provide a warm welcome to the troops.”

Blaenau Gwent Council presented Colonel Wheeler of The Royal Welsh with a wooden carving, while Colonel Wheeler presented the council with a gift.

MP Nick Smith added: "It was a pleasure and privilege to attend such a fantastic event. It was a great reception for The Royal Welsh soldiers."