HUNDREDS of people gathered in Victoria Square to witness the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment march through the town centre before it embarks on a three-year tour of Cyprus.

About 130 soldiers from the regiment's 1st Battalion Infantry, known as the "Lions of England", marched from Bolton Parish Church to Victoria Square today to exercise its freedom of the borough, before marching up to the Holiday Inn in Higher Bridge Street.

Soldiers' families and friends watched proudly as the regiment, led by Lt Col George Maund, followed its band, which kept the pace with traditional marching music — and a version of Happy by Pharrell Williams.

Lt Col Maund said: "It is a special occasion for us to march through Bolton.

"It's something that we don't do very often — it has been six years since the last occasion for us and it has been a pleasure to have the band march with us.

"The 1st Battalion is next going to Cyprus for a residential three-year tour where the soldiers will be away from friends and family.

"I suppose because of this, it is a farewell march as much as it is a celebration."

Soldiers from Bolton expressed their joy to be marching in their hometown.

Kn Daniel Magee, aged 26, from Astley Bridge, said: "I have done freedom marches before but not in Bolton, so today has been a special occasion.

"I don't come home very often as we are based in Catterick, but it made me feel proud to know my grandma and my friends could see me in my number two dress. It was a buzz."

Kn Karl Day, aged 25, from Tonge Moor, said: "It's been really good for our families to watch us march.

"It makes me proud to do show the public what we do before we head off for our next tour."

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Martin Donaghy, added: "We are delighted to welcome The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment to Bolton.

"We are honoured that they are exercising their freedom to parade around the town."