A PATRIOTIC market town is preparing for a double dose of celebrations to mark the return of its heroes serving on the front line.

Soldiers from 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), which is based at Rock Barracks, will be marching through nearby Woodbridge tomorrow.

The next evening there will also be a traditional beating retreat ceremony in Elmhurst Park.

Both events are to mark the regiment’s recent return from a six month tour of Afghanistan and to thank residents for their ongoing support.

Commanding officer lieutenant colonel Frazer Ross said: “This is our opportunity to give something back to the people of Woodbridge, in recognition of the outstanding support they provide to the regiment.

“Soldiers and their families are all made to feel part of the local community, particularly during the recent deployment in Afghanistan. This link is the envy of many a regiment and something that I hold very dear and am extremely proud of.

“I hope that residents of Woodbridge and the surrounding area will come out in numbers to see the parade and enjoy both the occasion and the gratitude it represents.”

Tomorrow, more than 400 soldiers will march through Woodbridge in full military regalia to exercise the regiment’s Freedom of the Town, which was granted in 2006. The parade will set off from Station Road at 1pm and march along Quayside and Lime Kiln Quay Road, before turning into The Thoroughfare and then onto Market Hill, where there will be a traditional Drumhead Service at 1.30pm.

The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers will perform a beating retreat in Elmhurst Park on Friday, with gates opening to members of the public at 7pm.