The streets of Coleford were packed with people cheering and waving Union flags as the Forest turned out in force to say thank you to heroes from 1Rifles.

Young and old from across the district joined together to show their support for the Dean's local regiment as they were honoured with the Freedom of the Forest.

Around 80 soldiers from the Beachley-based battalion clad in full desert uniform were given a standing ovation as they marched through the centre of town and gathered at the clock tower.

They were joined by local veterans and cadets as the Rifles brass band provided a stirring soundtrack to the days events.

Click here to watch a sound slideshow from the event (opens in new window)

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The strong bond between the Forest and 1Rifles was formally recognised in a ceremony at the clock tower led by district council chairman Coun Marrilyn Smart.

She said: "We are very proud to have you living in our district. It is a unique and wonderful place and I hope you will be able to find the time to enjoy our beautiful area.

The Forest of Dean acknowledges the tremendous efforts, achievements and sacrifices made by the Rifles regiment."

Coun Smart also paid tribute to the eight fallen Rifles soldiers killed on their recent six month tour of Afghanistan saying they had made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

A lone bugler played and a minute's silence was held in honour of the soldiers who included Rifleman Jamie Gunn who was brought up in Berry Hill and Rifleman Stuart Nash who has family in Coleford.

The freedom was formally conferred to Rifles commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Joe Cavanagh before the troops, veterans and cadets completed the parade by marching to Angus Buchanan VC recreation ground where celebrations and a hog roast took place.

The freedom parade was a particularly proud moment for Coleford brothers, Serjeants Paul and Lee Jones who both spent six months in Afghanistan mentoring the Afghan army.

Paul said: "It is a great honour, especially with us being local lads and we've got quite a few family and friends here.

"It's also a chance for us to say thank you to everyone in the Forest who supported us while we were away. We received loads of welfare boxes and messages of support from the area and it was great to know that people at home were thinking about us."

Lee said the day was also special for the families of the soldiers.

He said: "It is hard for the families when we are away and it is great to be able to say thanks to them and give them an opportunity to come out and show their support."

Leading the Rifles parade was company commander Major Charlie Grist. The day was especially memorable for him as he is the third generation of his family to serve with the Rifles and its predecessor the Glosters, following his father and grandfather.

He said: "It a tremendous honour to lead the parade and say thank you to the Forest of Dean for their support.

"My father and grandfather had a lot to do with me joining the army and today is a very proud day for my family as well."

Rifles welfare office Captain Leo Sayer said the parade had been a great success. During the parade the Rifles flag was flown from the clock tower in Coleford.