Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets of Ross to watch as the largest regiment in the infantry, The Rifles, are granted the Freedom of Ross-on-Wye on Saturday, July 13th at the Rope Walk.

The Freedom Parade will begin with a special ceremony at 2pm at the Rope Walk followed by a march through the streets of the town at approx 3.15pm.

It is hoped that crowds will line the streets to cheer the Riflemen on, in scenes reminiscent of the Olympic Torch relay which took place last year.

Representatives of the Rifles have already met with members of Ross Town Council to plan the day. As well as the march and the reception with local dignitaries at the Larruperz Centre, there will be a range of activities for the whole family taking place by the river during the morning.

At 6pm the Sounding the Retreat will take place at The Rope Walk.

Although the Rifles are famous for marching at 140 paces per minute, much faster than that of the rest of the Infantry who march at 120, there should be plenty of time and opportunity for being a part of this memorable day.

The regiment has already been granted the freedom of Hereford and was formally adopted as Herefordshire's county regiment last year.

To get up to date information about the freedom ceremony, click Like on the special Facebook page set up for the event: Ross on Wye Freedom of the Town Ceremony.

Members of the Town Council Events Committee are also applying to the Armed Forces Covenant for a grant to help with the costs of the event.

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.