COME out and honour our brave troops, that’s the message from Valleys politicians ahead of the Royal Welsh regiment parade in Ebbw Vale tomorrow.

Soldiers from regiment will march through the streets of the town, with Taffy the Regimental Goat will leading the Freedom Parade in front of The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Welsh and followed by around 50 soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh.

It will be the first time the regiment will exercise its right to march through the town after they were granted Freedom of the County Borough in recognition of their heroism and devotion to duty in the service of others, earlier this month.

The regiment has deployed companies to Afghanistan since 2009 and B Company is due to return home at the end of February.

The parade starts at 11.30am from the steel clock in Ebbw Vale town centre following the presentation of the Freedom Scroll by Blaenau Gwent mayor, councillor Brian Thomas.

Blaenau Gwent councillors voted unanimously to honour the troops with the Freedom of the County borough earlier this year.

Leader of the Blaenau Gwent Labour group Hedley McCarthy said: "I hope to good people of Blaenau Gwent come out, show their support and honour the troops on the weekend."

Blaenau Gwent council leader, Cllr Des Hillman, said earlier this week how many of the men and women who serve in our armed forces are from Blaenau Gwent.

“I extend an invitation to everyone to please join us on this very important and proud day,” he said.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Support soldiers

WE hope people show just how proud they are of the Royal Welsh by turning up to watch the regiment get the freedom of Ebbw Vale tomorrow.

Around 50 soldiers will march through the town along with a parade staged with The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Welsh.

Similar previous marches have drawn huge crowds and we believe it’s important that troops who have risked their lives in war zones are known how much they are appreciated.

With events in Afghanistan still at the forefront of all our minds, it’s an ideal time to let soldiers know they are valued.