GWENT reservists helped mark the 300th anniversary of their regiment in explosive style.

The soldiers from Newport-based 104 Regiment took part in a parade which saw them firing their guns in time to the famous 1812 overture to mark the tercentenary of The Royal Artillery.

The ceremony was the final event in a week which has seen a ceremonial baton taken up Snowdon alongside a field gun which was fired from the summit, carried by cyclists across Wales and taken down Big Pit in Blaenavon.

The tour was organised and undertaken by reservists of 104 Regiment which has bases in Newport, Cwmbran and Abertillery.

The parade in Cardiff on Sunday night marked the end of the baton's journey in Wales and it then was taken to Bristol from where it will begin its journey around the rest of the UK.

The baton has already circumnavigated the globe, having started its journey a year ago, taking it through countries which have played a part in the regiment’s 300-year history.

Lieutenant Colonel Erik Bengsston, Commanding Officer 104 Regiment Royal Artillery, said: "This was a great event to be involved in and a celebration that encapsulates who we are as Gunners and what we seek to offer our Reservists.

"This was about connecting the past to the present and marks our proud Welsh connections throughout."

Brigadier Martyn Gamble, Commander 160th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Wales and head of the Army in Wales, said those involved in the celebrations would never forget it.

"The Army has never been known to shirk a challenge and the logistical planning for the event's leg in Wales has provided a proper test of timing and organisation," he said.

"In a dozen or even 20 years or more, when someone asks a soldier who was involved in taking a 105mm light gun to the top of Snowdon, did you actually do that? Well, they did, and the success of the three-day effort around the iconic locations of Wales is testimony to the hard work of all those involved."