HOUNSLOW'S soldiers were given the freedom of the borough ahead of a parade through the town centre today.

The 500 soldiers from the Second Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF), were given the highest honour the borough can bestow, allowing the regiment to march through the town with fixed bayonets and with colours flying.

Hundreds of residents were expected to welcome back the battalion after their tour of Afghanistan, where seven soldiers died.

At yesterday's ceremony the Commanding Officer of 2RRF and two Gurkhas who won the Victoria Cross in the Second World War were also honoured.

Click on galleries to see pictures of the event.