Cheers and applause for Mercian veterans' parade through Kidderminster - PICTURES and VIDEO

The parade, organised by the Mercian Volunteers Regimental Association, saw more than 100 decorated former and current soldiers march through the town's streets accompanied by the Tenbury Wells Town Band to celebrate the association's freedom of the town.

However it could be the last time the association parade around the town due to the ages of the former soldiers, as many are well into their 80s.

The start of Saturday's event saw the soldiers fall in at Batemans yard car park at 11.30am before heading off on the march around the town half an hour later.

As they made their way through the town they were met by dozens of residents who lined the streets and took pictures and cheered as the group marched past.

A hugely popular event for former soldiers from the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Mercian Volunteers, who make up the regimental association, some even travelled as far as America to be at the parade.

Ted Rowley, 74, a former platoon sergeant and founding member of the volunteers regimental association, said: "The parade went great.

"There were people lining the streets, applauding and cheering us on.

"It will be the last parade like this for a lot of our members.

"Unless another association organises an event like this then I think we will be sticking to the poppy day parade and other similar events."

Mick Whiten, a former solider who attended the parade, added: "Thanks to all those that organised such a fantastic parade, it was really good to see such a lot of 'old' faces.

"A special thanks for making the effort must go to those that travelled long distances to be there."

As well as exercising the freedom of Kidderminster, the parade also marked the 50th anniversary of the formation of 1st Battalion Mercian Volunteers and the disbandment of the 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment.

Kidderminster resident Vic Bozward said: "I enjoyed seeing everyone who served with the Mercian Regiment.

"The weather was great and the parade and drumhead service went very well.

"Thanks to everyone who helped to put it together."

The Mercian Volunteers Regimental Association, which has around 500 members, was formed in 1967 to keep alive the spirit and memory of Mercian volunteers as well as provide welfare and support for all ex-Mercians.

As well as its Worcestershire link the association also has members from the Black Country and South Staffordshire.