Hundreds turn out to cheer soldiers

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Well wishers turned out in force to watch the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment receive the freedom of Bolton.

There were fears of a repeat of scenes in Luton earlier this week when a small band of Muslim extremists aimed protests at returning soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment.

Police patrolling the march through Bolton which culminated at the town hall said the procession had passed off peacefully.

Applause rang out as 150 soldiers from the regiment's 1st Battalion - who returned from Iraq in May 2008 - paraded in the early afternoon sunlight.

Conferring the freedom, the town's Lord Mayor councillor Anthony Connell, said: "As the town's first citizen I feel very proud to be able to represent the illuminated scroll to the Colonel of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, Major General Rollo and confer upon them the Honorary Freedom of the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton.

"In doing this, we acknowledge the crucial role played by the serving officers, warrant officers, senior non-commissioned officers and Kingsmen and their predecessors.

"In peacetime and on operations, they have served their country with pride and determination and many have given their lives so that we may live in peace."

Major General N H Rollo, Colonel of the Regiment, said his soldiers were proud to receive the honour.