Young and old were gathered in Bradford's Centenary Square to watch history in the making.

For 180 soldiers from the Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding) - many of whom are from the district - paraded through the heart of the city to mark the regiment's 300-year anniversary.

Accompanied by a military band (pictured here) and a police escort, the Freedom Parade - commemorating the regiment being granted the freedom of the city in 1996 - brought the city centre to a standstill and Saturday shoppers lined the sunny streets to watch the unique event.

For the first time in the regiment's history The Dukes, as they are affectionately known, paraded their four colours in Bradford.

And for a tearful Angela Smith it was also an emotional reunion with son Lance Corporal Rob Smith who she rarely sees as he is based in Germany.

"I've not seen Rob for about 18 months and I feel really proud to see him in his uniform and marching through his home town," said the 48-year-old, of Great Horton.

"He's wanted to be a soldier since he was three years old and to be a Duke is a dream come true for him."

Lance Corporal Smith, 25, who has been with the regiment for seven years, wore his medals for missions in Ireland and Kosova along with a special one commemorating the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Private Shane Morton, of Tyersal, was also hoping to catch a glimpse of his family.

"It's good to be here and I really miss my friends and family when I'm away," said the 20-year-old Bradford Bulls fan.

The county regiment, which has recruited from Bradford and the West Riding for more than 250 years, was inspected by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Richard Wightman, in front of a party of VIPs and well-wishers outside City Hall.

Speaking at the event he said: "The Dukes have strong connections with Bradford and I feel privileged to be able to inspect them."

Coun Wightman travelled last month to the regiment's barracks in Germany to present them with their new colours.

Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, the regiment's colonel, said they valued Bradford's support.

"I would like to thank people in Bradford for their very warm welcome and we are very proud of our strong links with the city."

After the inspection the watching crowd stood in silence for the drummers' victory beating before the troops made a second march around the city with their bayonets fixed and colours flying.

And for former sergeant Jack Marshall, who wore his purple and green regimental tie, the event brought back memories of his national service in France during the second world war.

"There's not many of us left nowadays and I wouldn't have missed this for the world," said the 77-year-old.

The regiment, which is based in Halifax, is one of the few remaining infantry regiments remaining in the British Army Order of Battle still non-amalgamated or not disbanded.

It is also the only one in the British Army named after an individual not of Royal blood.