SOLDIERS from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment marched through Liverpool before laying up their old colours in the Town Hall.

The soldiers paraded in full regimental uniform with bayonets fixed through Lime Street, Ranelagh Street, Church Street, Lord Street, and Castle Street before finishing at the Town Hall.

They held a service on Exchange Flags before laying down their colours, which carry all the battle honours of the Regiment, in the Town Hall on Saturday.

TheŠDuke of Lancaster's, which has already been admitted to the Freedom Rolls of Association – the freedom of the city for groups – has undertaken numerous military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is the only infantry regiment to exclusively recruit its soldiers from north west England, with many from Liverpool.Š

Cllr Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Laying up the colours in the city is a very generous gesture, which we are delighted to accept.

“I am immensely proud of the service the regiment gives to the city and our country.

“The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is synonymous with Liverpool and the North West and long may the association continue.”Š

The King's Regiment merged into the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment in 2006. Initially part of the King's, theŠLiverpool Scottish was a Regiment in its own right from 1937Što 1967.

Colonel Martin Amlôt, the regimental secretary of the Duke of Lancaster's, said: "We are delighted to offer our colours to the City of Liverpool. Our soldiers draw great strength, both from the regiment's local heritage Šand from the support given to us byŠ the Špeople of Liverpool, so many of whom have close family ties with us.”