SOLDIERS of the Army Air Corps based in Suffolk are to be given the freedom of the borough of St Edmundsbury in recognition of their dedicated service.

St Edmundsbury Borough Council has decided to award the freedom to the Wattisham-based 3 Army Air Corps because it had served with distinction and provided an “eminent” service to the district.

The award ceremony will be held in July and will be accompanied by a presentation of medals to the troops who have been on active service in Afghanistan.

A council spokeswoman said: “The freedom is given to people and organisations of distinction that have, in the council’s opinion, rendered eminent services to the borough.

“It is proposed to admit 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, who have distinguished themselves in countries and conflicts abroad and have served the borough in many ways.”

The ceremony will be held on July 22. On the day, the spokeswoman said: “A short meeting of St Edmundsbury Borough Council will be held in the Athenaeum to pass the motion for freedom. The Mayor of St Edmundsbury (Patricia Warby) then processes to a dais on Angel Hill to confer it to the Commanding Officer and senior officers of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps. “

The troops would march up Abbeygate Street, into the Arc and back down Abbeygate Street to line up along Angel Hill and finally lead back through the Abbey Gate into the Abbey Gardens. Angel Hill will be closed for parking from the Wednesday evening and to through-traffic from Thursday morning. It will reopen on Thursday evening. The town’s Abbey Gardens will also be closed on Thursday.