THE route of a parade through the streets of Accrington to commemorate the start of the First World War has been revealed.

On Tuesday, July 1, 120 soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment will march through the town to exercise their freedom of the borough.

Starting from St John the Evangelist Church in Addison Street at noon, the soldiers will march with drums beating, bands playing, colours flying, and bayonets fixed, led by the Band of the King’s Division, a full 32-piece marching band.

The regiment will travel down Burnley Road, left onto Eastgate, then onto Abbey Street and right down Blackburn Road.

They will then turn onto Church Street, passing the Accrington Pals memorial where the annual service will have taken place.

After completing a circuit of St James’ Church, they will travel along Cannon Street, St James’ Street, and Holmes Street, before returning down Church Street to the town hall, where the parade will finish at around 12.20pm.

Hyndburn major Munsif Dad, and Brigadier PS Rafferty MBE will inspect the troops.

Coun Dad, joined by mayors from across Lancashire, will then honour the sacrifices made by all members of the armed forces.

Colonel Chris Owen said: “It is a tremendous honour for the regiment and its soldiers to exercise the freedom of Hyndburn, and it is fitting that we will do so in the home town of the Accrington Pals on the anniversary of their great sacrifice.”

Hyndburn Council leader Miles Parkinson said: “The history of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment is linked with the Accrington Pals, so it is fitting that they have chosen this the centenary year of the outbreak of the First World War to exercise their freedom of the borough.”