SOLDIERS who helped Tadcaster during the devastating Boxing Day floods of 2015 will return next month to help the town celebrate as Tour de Yorkshire races start from the rebuilt bridge.

Cyclists will set off in ceremonial starts from the bridge over the River Wharfe on Saturday, April 29.

Ahead of them will be the Yorkshire Regiment Drums Platoon, many of whom were deployed to help with the emergency when the river burst its banks.

The bridge was closed for more than a year after partially collapsing, dividing the town in two, but reopened last month.

The soldiers’ involvement in the race comes before 400 from the regiment head in August to Afghanistan for an eight-month tour, where they will support NATO in training and protecting Afghan soldiers and police officers in Kabul.

Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, Sir Gary Verity said: “We’re incredibly proud to have the Yorkshire regiment out on Tadcaster bridge ahead of both the Tour de Yorkshire men’s and Asda women’s races.

“They bravely head out to Afghanistan later this year, but their deployment during the floods is a reminder of what they do at home as well.”

Lieutenant Colonel Sam Humphris, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment said: “It’ll be a huge honour for our drummers to march out ahead of both the men’s and women’s Tour De Yorkshire races.”

Tadcaster’s big day will also see dance troops, a children’s decorated bike parade, a climbing wall, food stalls and a bar.