KIDDERMINSTER can look forward to "a great day" when British soldiers are granted the freedom of the town tomorrow.

Mike Shellie, Kidderminster Mayor, was speaking ahead of the Mercian Regiment 2nd Battalion's (Worcesters and Foresters) march through the town, from 11am.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it, it's going to be a great day for Kidderminster - I just hope the weather turns out nice."

A company, more than 100 soldiers, will parade the regimental colours through the streets before being given the freedom of the town by the mayor.

Mr Shellie wants crowds thronging the streets supporting the brave soldiers, many of whom saw action against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The parade, including Royal British Legion members, will start off at the Bateman's Yard car park, at 11am, head along New Road, Corporation Street and Exchange Street before coming to attention in the civic space by Slingfield Mill and JJB Sports.

The soldiers will then march across the Husum Bridge, go left into Vicar Street, right into High Street and right again into Worcester Street, before falling out. The market will be held as normal.

Bateman's Yard car park, by Morrisons supermarket and opposite the RAFA club, in New Road, will be closed to road traffic from first thing Saturday morning until after the parade has moved off.

PC Clive Llewellyn, of Kidderminster Police, said there would be temporary rolling road closures between 11am and noon including New Road, Corporation Street, Vicar Street, High Street and Worcester Street.

The Mercian Regiment was formed from the amalgamation of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment and other units, last year.

The rest of the 2nd Battalion is already at barracks in Belfast preparing for another gruelling tour of battle-torn Afghanistan, in a few months time.

The unit lost nine soldiers in heavy fighting during last year's tour in Helmand province, earning a score of military decorations for bravery in the face of a determined enemy force.