Soldiers awarded the Freedom of the City of Bradford paraded through the city streets yesterday with their black Shetland pony mascot Pegasus to celebrate their special accolade.

More than 100 members of 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment were inspected by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Naveeda Ikram, shortly before noon before marching through Centenary Square.

They marched up Sunbridge Road, Upper Millergate, Kirkgate, Bank Street, Hall Ings, Bridge Street and back to the Civic Hall for a reception after the march with The Band of The Parachute Regiment.

The Battalion, which is based at Thornbury Barracks, was awarded the Freedom of Bradford in May 2010 and yesterday was the first time that the soldiers had exercised the ancient right to march through the streets with bayonets fixed, colours flying and the band playing.

The 4th Battalion is the UK’s only reserve Parachute Battalion and the Battalion has provided more soldiers for operations than any other Territorial Army infantry battalion.

Soldiers from the Battalion have recently returned from Afghanistan where they served alongside their regular counterparts, but sadly one of the 75 deployed, 22-year-old Private Conrad Lewis, was killed in action.

Delivering an address in Centenary Square before the march, Coun Ikram said that the loss of every unfulfilled life was grievously felt. “We should also pause and remember what has been achieved in Afghanistan and elsewhere which could not have happened without the reserve forces,” she added.

“People of this district recognise the enormous contribution you make and your professionalism and reputation. That is why I welcome you to exercise your Freedom of The City of Bradford.”

Council leader Ian Greenwood was also at the event and said: “We wish them well on their many deployments to Afghanistan and it is extremely appropriate and right we should welcome them back.”

Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel John Boyd said that his and the regiment’s thoughts remained with those people who were not with them.

“It has been an extremely busy year for us,” he added. “A lot of guys have come back from Afghanistan and what makes that bearable is the support the public gives us. It is amazing what the city and Council has done for us and I think it is great we are able to march through the city and raise awareness.”