Staffordshire Regiment veterans celebrate freedom of town
Crowds of people lined the streets to watch veterans of the Staffordshire Regiment parade through Hednesford as they were given the freedom of the town.
Hundreds of people cheered as members of the local branch of the Staffordshire Regimental Association marched along Market Street.
The association was awarded the honour by the town council to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The accolade is handed out only for exceptional contributions to the local community.
Led by a marching band, members paraded on Saturday afternoon up to the clock tower in Anglesey Square, where a commemorative plaque, donated by local firm Intamarble Ltd, was unveiled.
A short service was led by Rev Paul Kelly from St Peter's Church in Hednesford.
Councillor George Adamson said: "Hundreds of people were lining the streets. It was a brilliant turnout.
"They applauded as they walked along.
"It was really moving and impressive. It was an honour for the council to give them the award and they are really deserving of it." John Pyke, president of the Hednesford branch of the Staffordshire Regimental Association, said: "To say we all felt very proud would be an understatement.
"We were so humbled. We love working in our town.
"When we stood there I think we were all standing six inches taller than we are normally."
The 76-year-old, of Hednesford, who was a captain in the Staffords, added the branch was very active in Hednesford and throughout the county.
The branch is believed to have formed in around 1952 and has around 55 to 60 members.
