AROUND 200 soldiers marched through the centre of Chepstow as they exercised their Freedom of the town.

Beachley-based

1 Rifles were given the Freedom of Chepstow in 2011 and the parade

on Friday

(July 7) followed deployments which included Operation Shader, which is providing training and equipment for Iraqi security forces fighting so-called Islamic State.

Over the last 16 months, the battalion has also carried out training missions in Uganda and Kazakhstan.

The battalion was inspected in Chepstow High Street by its Royal Colonel, Prince Edward of Kent, who also presented awards to Riflemen who gave outstanding service as part of Operation Shader.

There was heightened security in the town with armed police on the street and the town centre cordoned off.

The Duke presented Major John Oliver with the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service, Major Matthew Forde received the Chief of the General Staff’s Commendation, Lieutenant Alex Creed received the Joint Commanders’ Commendation, Major Rich Hunt and Colour Serjeant Nathan Peart were each presented with the General Officer Commanding First Division’s Commendation and Staff Serjeant Benjamin Macloed-Needs received the 160th Infantry Brigade Commander’s Coin.

The parade, which was watched by several hundred people, celebrated the longstanding links between the army and the town and also remembered the commitment of those who serve, and have served, in the battalion.

The battalion was led by the Band and Bugles of The Rifles as it marched down High Street and through Bank Street.