Hundreds of Gurkha soldiers will parade through Folkestone on Thursday to celebrate being given the freedom of the town.

Members of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles, who are based at Shorncliffe Barracks, will parade from Clifton Road to The Leas, into Sandgate Road and West Terrace and then back along The Leas.

Actress Joanna Lumley, a keen supporter of the Gurkha soldiers, is expected to attend.

Near to the Leas Cliff Hall they will be greeted by town mayor Janet Andrews who will present them with the freedom of the town, a ceremonial honour, which the 1st Battalion were given some years ago.

Hundreds of school children and townspeople are expected to line the route.
Roads leading into the town will be closed for the event, with some having been shut from the night before, for security reasons.

The march will start at 9.15am and will be finished by 11am.

Afterwards the soldiers are to be presented with medals at Sir John Moore Barracks, following their recent efforts in Afghanistan.