Huge crowds lined Pembroke Main Street last Saturday afternoon to witness the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Guards exercise the Freedom of Pembroke granted to the regiment by Pembroke Town Council in 2006.

The parade was made up of the Welsh Guards Regimental Band and No. 2 Company, the same servicemen who recently provided the guard of honour at the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

Following the march along Main Street, led by the regimental band, the regiment's second battalion stood to attention in glorious sunshine outside Pembroke Town Hall.

The contingent of 115 soldiers was inspected by the Mayor of Pembroke, Clr. Aden Brinn, accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, The Right Honourable Robin Lewis and Regimental Adjutant, Colonel Tom Bonas.

They were watched by a large and appreciative crowd of all ages, from World War II veterans proudly displaying their medals, to a row of immaculately behaved young Beaver Scouts taking time out from a fun day at nearby Pembroke Castle.

The Mayor described the Welsh Guards as one of Britain's 'greatest regiments' and that it was a tremendous honour to welcome the regiment to Pembroke which over the years has established strong links with the armed forces.

Colonel Bonas said the regiment was hugely honoured to have been granted the Freedom of Pembroke and delighted by the warmth of the welcome and hospitality extended to them.

He said during the past few years the regiment had undertaken operational tours to Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq and latterly Afghanistan, interspersed with state ceremonial and public duties.

The most recent tour of duty was during 2009 as part of 19 Light Brigade, based in Helmand province, Southern Afghanistan, when sadly, they lost seven colleagues, with others suffering life-changing injuries. The regiment will be returning to Afghanistan in March 2012.

Following refreshments prepared by Pembroke Town Council staff at the Town Hall, the band performed the Beating the Retreat in the splendid grounds of Pembroke Castle.

The colourful ceremony was enjoyed by a large and appreciative crowd with a bucket collection raising the magnificent sum of £983. This will be donated to The Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal and MacMillan Cancer Support, the Mayor of Pembroke's nominated charities.

Town clerk, Hugh Colley, who was in charge of the arrangements, said afterwards: "I would like to thank everyone for their hard work, especially the police and Pembroke Castle staff in helping us make the day such a resounding success.

"Also, a huge thank you to the general public, some having travelled a long distance, for coming along to show their support for the regiment. Pembroke Guards."

And the town council have been inundated with praise following the event.

One well-wisher, Graham Sheppard, of Hundleton, said on Monday: "Congratulations to the council for their har work in organising such a marvellous day. I will remember the spectacle for a very long time as it showed Pembroke at its very best."