Hundreds gathered in Bradford’s Centenary Square today to cheer on the 3rd Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington’s) as they took part in a Freedom of the City Parade.

The event happened as Prime Minister David Cameron revealed he did not expect British troops to be in Afghanistan in five years’ time.

In Bradford the Lord Mayor, Councillor Peter Hill, greeted the parade and inspected the troops as they stood to attention in Centenary Square.

Officers and soldiers took part in a parade through the city in the afternoon. It was also the first time the regiment’s new colours were paraded in Bradford following the presentation by the Duke of York earlier this month.

Captain Ben Obese-Jelty, of the Yorkshire Regiment 3rd Battalion, said: “Today is vitally important – days like today, when the Yorkshire Regiment gets to parade in its hometowns and cities.

“It gives the lads the chance to parade in front of their friends and families and show their loved ones how important their jobs are to them.”

The crowds witnessed a victory beating by army drummers before the parade continued throughout the city.

Tributes were also paid today to four British soldiers who died when their armoured vehicle crashed into a canal in Afghanistan.

Private Alex Isaac, Private Douglas Niall Halliday and Colour Sergeant Martyn Simon Horton, of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, and Lance Corporal David Andrew Ramsden, from 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, were killed in the accident on Wednesday night.