NEWPORT City Council has awarded the Welsh Guards the Honorary Freedom of the City in the regiment's centenary next year.

Councillors unanimously voted in favour at Tuesday’s full council meeting of honouring the regiment, which was formed by King George V on February 26, 1915.

Council leader Bob Bright said a Freedom Parade will be held to mark the occasion.

During the parade, servicemen and women will march through the streets of Newport with banners and fixed bayonets.

He told the council: “I’m very proud to suggest that this council confers the honour on the regiment of the freedom of the city.

“In March 2010, the people of Newport made us very proud in the manner they welcomed the Welsh Guards back from the Helmand province in Afghanistan where they served with distinction.

“We have very close links with the Welsh Guards, I believe we have an opportunity to enhance our relationship in the next 12 months.”

Cllr Bright added that he had met the regiment’s colonel who said he would be delighted to accept the Freedom of the City.

Cllr Mark Spencer said: “As an ex-serviceman, to second this motion is a privilege.

“I had the honour of marching through the city of Cardiff many years ago.

"It’s a very proud moment.

"I’m sure it will be a great spectacle for the city.”

Cllr John Guy took the opportunity to tell councillors the countries that the Welsh Guards have toured including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Palestine, Egypt, Cyprus, the Falklands, Bosnia, Iraq and two tours of Afghanistan.

Cllr Kevin Whitehead, who has five brothers who have served in the Armed Forces, said: “I can tell you these soldiers will absolutely love this day.

“As you well know, on the day it’s about the pomp and ceremony.

"They deserve nothing else than the freedom of Newport.

" But bear in mind behind the pomp and ceremony a lot of these guys have seen a lot of things that we wouldn’t want to see, let’s put it that way.”