THERE is a chance to show support for our brave soldiers who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq when they march through Ipswich tomorrow in a special parade.

THERE is a chance to show support for our brave soldiers who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq when they march through Ipswich tomorrow in a special parade.

The troops are being honoured with the freedom of entry to the borough of Ipswich - giving them the right to march through the town with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying.

More than 200 troops are set to take part in the parade, which sets off from the car park in Black Horse Lane at noon.

The units will march down Westgate Street and line up on parade on the Cornhill at 12.15pm.

They will be inspected by the Mayor of Ipswich, David Hale, and Major General Shouesmith, Honorary Colonel for the corps.

They will then march away and back to take the salute with the dignitaries from the Town Hall steps at 1pm before attending a civic reception at the Corn Exchange.

Members of the Territorial Army's 202 (Ipswich), Transport Squadron 158 (Royal Anglian) Transport Regiment Royal Logistics Corps (Volunteers), will be taking part, along with a contingent of regular soldiers who have been serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

There will also be a Logistics Support Unit taking part, and members of the cadet forces.

Warrant Officer class two, Mark Thompson, of the TA Centre in Yarmouth Road, said: “With all the Christmas shoppers out and about, we expect there to be large crowds to watch the parade - but we would love to see many more come along.

“It is a great honour and everyone is looking forward to the day.

“As well as the soldiers on parade, there will also be a recruitment stand so people can find out more about what we do and how to join us.”

The TA unit follows in the proud tradition of HMS Ganges, the Royal Anglian Regiment (successor to the Suffolk Regiment), the Royal Army Medical Corps and, more recently, HMS Grafton and 4 Regiment Army Air Corps, based at Wattisham.

The TA unit has provided valuable support to regulars in Iraq and Afghanistan providing transport for Army logistical support operations, delivering ammunition, water or combat supplies to exactly where they're needed.

Pay your tributes to our troops - Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk