A DEVON-based regiment is to be given the greatest ceremonial honour the City of Plymouth can bestow later this month.

Large crowds are expected to gather on September 25 to see the Rifles — the largest regiment in the Army — formally awarded the Freedom of the City.

Hundreds of soldiers, including many who have just returned from serving in Helmand Province in Afghanistan, will march through the city.

The Freedom of the City gives the regiment the privilege of marching with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed. The honour was granted to the Rifles in November 2009 but will be formalised with a parade, followed by the presentation of scrolls.

Based at Wyvern Barracks in Exeter, the Rifles were formed in 2007 when a number of regiments — including the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment — were amalgamated.

Vivien Pengelly, council leader, said: "This civic honour is a mark of the city's immense gratitude and respect for the Rifles' dedicated service around the globe, particularly in times of conflict."

Major Don Jellard, secretary of the Rifles' county office, said: "Plymouth has always had a proud tradition of supporting the armed forces and we are delighted that the city is granting this civic honour. The Devon and Dorsets always recruited from the Plymouth area and this tradition lives on in both regular and Territorial Army battalions. We are proud to have the Freedom of the City."

The ceremony will start on the Armada Way piazza at around 11.35am. The public should be there by 10.30am.

The Lord Mayor will inspect the troops in front of the Guildhall at 10.45am before the Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Rifles leads the march up Royal Parade, around St Andrews Cross and down Royal Parade to Armada Way.

They will be followed by members of 4 Rifles, and 6 Rifles, the TA infantry battalion for the South West. Many have only recently returned from Afghan- istan.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary Aspinall, will present a specially commissioned scroll to Brigadier Jolyon Jackson, representing the Rifles in the South West, who will in turn present the Lord Mayor with a silver bugle, the emblem of the regiment.

Armada Way in front of the Guildhall and Magistrates Court will be closed from 11.10am until 11.35am.