HUNDREDS of people lined the streets to celebrate The Rifles Regiment being given the Freedom of the City.

"The people's" regiment marched its way along Royal Parade to a soundtrack of cheers and flag waving from proud Plymothians who turned out to show their support of the soldiers, some of whom have recently returned from Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

The Freedom of the City is the greatest ceremonial honour that can be bestowed by local authorities to military organisations.

"It is encouraging to see people supporting our soldiers, these people are putting their lives on the line so it nice to be able to show that we are supporting them," said John Potter, who lives on the Hoe with his mother Vera, a former member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.

And thanking the city of Plymouth for its continued commitment to the armed forces, Brigadier Jolyon Jackson thanked the crowds for marking the Freedom of the City parade.

Describing local people as the "fifth pillar" of the regiment, Brigadier Jackson said: "Without you and your support and encouragement we couldn't do this.

"When we see how many of you turned out to support us it makes us really humble and grateful."

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 formalised with the weekend's parade.

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.

"It was a very proud achievement to be able to walk the streets of Plymouth with my family and friends here," said Rifleman Peter Matthews from Saltash. The Herald reported earlier this week that the 21-year-old receive a top military award after repeatedly risking his life to save wounded comrades while serving with the Rifles in Afghanistan.

During the Freedom of the City ceremony a specially commissioned scroll was presented to Brigadier Jackson, who in turn presented the Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary Aspinall, with a silver bugle, the emblem of the regiment.

"We are able to show our gratitude and respect for the Rifles," said the Lord Mayor.

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