GURKHAS marched through York city centre on Tuesday in an historic ceremony to receive the Freedom of the City.

The parade marked the 200th anniversary of the Gurkha regiment serving in the British army, and around 40 members of the Queen’s Gurkha Signals were be among the 160 strong group of soldiers to march passed crowds in city centre streets.

>>> 13 photos from the parade

The parade began in Duncombe Place at noon, in time for the Gurkhas to receive a traditional freedom certificate from the Lord Mayor Cllr Sonja Crisp, before being inspected by the Lord Mayor and Master of Signals, Major General Nick Pope.

They then marched down Parliament Street, led by the Band of the Queen’s Division, then headed back along Coney Street and Blake Street, returning to Duncombe Place to salute Major General Pope and the Lord Mayor.

Large crowds gathered and applauded as the parade passed.

Afterwards, the Lord Mayor spoke with members of the parade, and there was a ceremonial dance by some of the parade members.

Freedom of entry to the city is a traditional honour which was bestowed in the Gurkha regiment earlier this year by the city councillors, giving the regiment "the right, privilege, honour and distinction to march through the streets on all ceremonial occasions with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, colours flying and bands playing".

York Press:

>>> 13 photos from the parade