BROMSGROVE councillors honoured the courageous men and women of the Mercian Regiment at a special meeting.

An extraordinary meeting of the council was held last Thursday, (January 20), where all members of the regiment were enrolled on the freeman’s roll.

It means the county’s regiment can march through streets of the district, and it is expected a marching event will be organised in the future.

Leader of the council, Roger Hollingworth, proposed the motion for the freedom of the district to be awarded.

He said: “This is one of the oldest awards and is the highest that can be made by a public body.

“I am delighted the men and women of the Mercian Regiment who are dedicating and at times risking their lives to fight for our freedom and protect our shores from invasion, have received it.”

The event remembered member of the regiment Robbie Laws, who gave his life in Afghanistan, and recognised Private Alex Kennedy, who made national headlines when he became the youngest recipient of the Military Cross since 1945.

Council chairman Councillor June Griffiths presented the common seal of the council, which was fixed to an honorary freedom scroll, to Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Wilford, commanding officer of the 4th Battalion of the Mercian Regiment.

In presenting the seal the Alvechurch councillor said: “The number of guests who have turned out tonight demonstrate the huge appreciation and gratitude which we feel for the job that you do to protect us all.”

In return Lt Col Wilford presented the chairman with a standard of the regiment and some books depicting the history of the Mercian Regiment.

Bromsgrove’s MP Sajid Javid also attended the event.

He said: “The ceremony reflected the high esteem and admiration in which the Mercian Regiment is held by constituents.

“It has a proud association with Bromsgrove, and local men and women have played an important role in both past and recent conflicts.

“It is a proud moment to recognise the amazing sacrifices they are making for crown and country not just now, but forever.”