Crowds lined the streets to show their everlasting support for our brave soldiers as a regiment paraded through the town in the blazing sun of the hottest day of the year.

People from across the Furness peninsula clutched Union Jacks and gathered on Abbey Road and Duke Street as the 2nd Battalion of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment marched proudly in their midst.

The regiment held the parade to exercise its freedom of the Borough of Barrow and were led by the Band of the King’s Division which played a mixture of marching songs followed by a rendition of Pharrell Williams - Happy.

Tears glistened in the eyes of many of the assembled spectators as the poignant display of our country's bravest men made its way through Barrow.

Yvonne Atkinson, 63, of Wellington Street, Millom said: "I wouldn't miss coming out to watch the parade. My dad, Harry Towner, was in the Royal Artillery, he moved up from the South and was based in Bootle.

"It is so important to come out and support our troops, my dad served in the Second World War and was taken prisoner, he would always say that these brave young men are giving their today to save our tomorrow.

"My three nephews are all in the armed forces now too and have served in Afghanistan so today is very emotional for me, I can feel myself welling up just thinking about it."

The regiment formed up outside the Holker Street Army Recruitment Centre and finished at the town hall, where the two guards were inspected by the Mayor. This was then followed by a short church service, speeches and presentations.

The beautiful, sunny weather brought a large crowd to the town hall where the band played an array of the nation's favourite patriotic songs. The crowd warbled through I Vow to Thee, My Country and God Save the Queen as the soldiers stood to attention in front of the mayor, Cllr Anita Husband. Our mayor made a very moving speech in which she stated: "Wherever your service takes you, the people of Barrow-in-Furness will keep you in their hearts."

Also present at the town hall was veteran Major Ben Casey, of Barrow, who served with the 3rd Battalion of the King's Own Royal Border Regiment and fought in Aden. He said: "It is so important that the soldiers realise they have the support of the people and go home today feeling like they have the whole town behind them.

"In the last 10-12 years there hasn't been a battalion that has been left untouched by the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan so we must remain supportive.

"The reception in Barrow today has been fantastic I am very impressed with the turn out."

The firefighters of Barrow made their way out to watch the parade in special support of crew manager Michael Wilkinson, who's brother joined the regiment straight after leaving school almost 20 years ago. Crew manager Wilkinson said: "I was very proud to see my brother in the parade today, personally I think we should all support our servicemen and women, who are doing a job that is extremely difficult in order to protect vulnerable people."

Also among the crowds was the year six class from Greengate Junior School, led by their deputy headmistress Paula Hillman. The pupils were carrying a hat from the Duke of Lancaster’s

uniform to symbolise the connection they feel with the regiment. One of their teachers, Michelle Shaw, is the sister of David Shaw, a brave Barrow soldier who died after being shot in Afghanistan.

Mrs Hillman said: "We want the children to learn about British values from a young age. We have been learning about the Duke of Lancaster's regiment in class and some of the children have expressed wishes to join the armed forces when they get older."

Among the primary school pupils was Antrea Filis, 10, who has just moved to the school from Corfu in Greece. Mrs Hillman said: "Antrea has never seen anything like this before, he was excited and a little confused but I think it is important for him to see the parade and learn about our country and its tradition."