SOLDIERS from across Hertfordshire will march through Watford to mark their return from a six-month tour of duty in Iraq.

The 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, who are nicknamed The Poachers, will exercise their right to walk through the borough of Watford with their colours flying, during the Freedom of the Borough March.

The event has been organised by Watford Borough Council, with the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire County Council, and will involve up to 200 soldiers.

The march, on Wednesday, March 11, will be led by Sergeant Steven Batty, who will be dressed as a Poacher. Marching music will be provided by the Minden military band.

Chairman of Watford, Councillor Jan Brown, said: "The Battalion, which is based in Celle in Germany, recruits from across Hertfordshire, including from Watford. Our servicemen and women get posted to different corners of the world and sacrifice much, so deserve our support. They have just come back from a six month peace-keeping posting, and we want to make sure they receive a warm welcome back home."

The soldiers will leave Lower High Street at 12.30pm, and march across Exchange Road into the High Street.

There will be a short civic ceremony and an inspection of the troops by the Vice Lord Lieutenant and Councillor Brown, in St Mary's Square, before the soldiers march to The Parade.

There they will be dismissed before attending a civic reception in their honour.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Browne said: “We hope the people of Hertfordshire in general, and Watford in particular, will take to the streets on Wednesday, March 11, to show their support for the Poachers.

“For some of our soldiers this will be their first parade and I am immensely proud of every single individual. We are very much looking forward to the day; it is our way of showing our thanks to the people of Watford and Hertfordshire for their support.”