Soldiers from a Suffolk-based regiment took part paraded through the streets of a market town on Friday to mark the 20th anniversary of their formation.

Troops from 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment exercised their Freedom of the Town and marched through Woodbridge town centre in a parade that set off from Theatre Street. 

The parade, led by British Army Band Colchester, then passed through New Street, St John’s Street, Thoroughfare, Church Street and Market Hill, ending in with a drumhead service in the Town Square.

East Anglian Daily Times: The parade was led by British Army Band ColchesterThe parade was led by British Army Band Colchester (Image: Charlotte Bond)

East Anglian Daily Times: Soliders passed through New Street, St John’s Street, Thoroughfare, Church Street and Market HillSoliders passed through New Street, St John’s Street, Thoroughfare, Church Street and Market Hill (Image: Charlotte Bond)

East Anglian Daily Times: The march in Theatre StreetThe march in Theatre Street (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The salute was then taken by The Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk Lady Clare, Countess of Euston, Mayor of Woodbridge Councillor Eamonn O'Nolan, and General Sir Peter Hall, an airborne engineer who served as Chief of The General Staff from 2010 to 2014. 

Lieutenant Colonel Jack Crossley, Commanding Officer of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, said: “It’s been a fantastic day and an honour and a privilege for the Regiment to parade through Woodbridge to mark our 20th anniversary and the close bonds between us and the town.

"Since we moved here in 2006, Woodbridge has given us a solid launch pad to deploy on operations around the world, safe in the knowledge that the local community understands what we do and that our families are looked after.

East Anglian Daily Times: Soldiers from 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment at the paradeSoldiers from 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment at the parade (Image: Charlotte Bond)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Mayor of Woodbridge was in attendance at the paradeThe Mayor of Woodbridge was in attendance at the parade (Image: Charlotte Bond)

East Anglian Daily Times: The event marks the 20th anniversary since the regiment's formation.The event marks the 20th anniversary since the regiment's formation. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

“We are focused on our operational role in the British Army’s global response force and had some of our vehicles and equipment out on display today, so that the public got to see us both on parade but also a bit of what our soldiering looks like.”

On Saturday, the regiment will be opening the gates of its home at Rock Barracks, Sutton Heath, for a free open day. 

Soldiers will display their skills and equipment to the public and there will be live music, local food and drink and entertainment.