AN ARMY regiment which recruits in North Yorkshire has held an historic parade.

The Green Howards formed up and paraded the battalion for the last time on British soil, prior to their deployment on operations in the Balkans.

The parade was appropriately taken by the Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier John Powell, a former Commanding Officer from 1987 to 1989.

The Brigadier said it was a sad but historic day, and he was confident that the current serving soldiers would take the traditions, spirit and character of The Green Howards into the new Yorkshire Regiment.

The opportunity was also taken to present medals to a number of soldiers, including long service and good conduct, three years' accumulated operational service, and operational service medals for Afghanistan.

The Green Howards will be amalgamated into the Yorkshire Regiment and will become the 2nd Battalion in June of this year, while serving on operation in Bosnia and Kosovo.

Updated: 09:49 Wednesday, April 19, 2006