THE sight of marching soldiers brought Didcot to a standstill when the town honoured its finest during a special parade.

The one-off ceremony marked 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corps receiving the Freedom of Didcot.

The honour is a custom bestowed on Army regiments across the country, confirming their presence in the community.

On Saturday, hundreds of shoppers clapped as they watched 100 members of the regiment, based at Vauxhall Barracks, march to the Civic Hall, accompanied by the sounds of the Royal Logistic Corps band.

The parade, which was accompanied by Didcot Army Cadets, was inspected by town mayor Bernard Cooper.

Mr Cooper, said: "It was brilliant.

"The regiment put on a fantastic show and they did not put a foot wrong.

"It was an excellent performance and I was proud to watch them.

"It was a great honour for me and the council.

"They are part of our community and they are very courageous, intelligent and charming bunch of people.

"I cannot give them higher praise.

"And all of them said how pleased they were to get the reception they did and how pleased they were to have our support."

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Maybery said the event was important for lifting the profile of the Army in the town.

He said: "We do really regard ourselves as part of the town in Didcot and we are pleased we have had freedom of Didcot conferred on us and have the recognition."

The regiment is one of the most highly decorated in the country.

It is most famous for its bomb disposal work, with a number of teams across the UK and in British Garrisons in Germany.

The base at Vauxhall Barracks co-ordinates all the UK-based bomb disposal teams and currently has around 50 members deployed on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Eileen McDermaid, 73, of Abbott Close watched the parade and said it brought a tear to her eye.

She added: "It was fantastic and well worth it.

"The ceremony and camaraderie gives the young people something to aspire to."

Cpt John Flood, leader of Didcot Town Council, agreed it was a great day for the town. He said: "The regiment has never exercised their freedom before and I am glad it has happened at last. It was a marvellous day and it all adds to the new spirit in Didcot."

Ted Baker, 60, of Manor Close, said: "It was very good. We will know who they are now, they should do it more often."

Ken Baker, 88, a member of the Royal Artillery during Second World War, added: "It was marvellous - it could not have been better if we had done it ourselves."