Regiment to get freedom honour

The regular army unit that recruits soldiers from the Isle of Man will be honoured in a ceremony involving around 200 troops this afternoon.

Douglas Council will confer the freedom of the borough on the 12th Regiment, Royal Artillery on behalf of the British Armed Forces.

Mayor of Douglas Ritchie McNicholl will present an illuminated address - designed and created by local artist Colleen Corlett - to Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Nick Pond on the steps of Douglas town hall at 4.15pm.

The band of the King's Division will then lead the parade as troops march down Victoria Street, along Loch Promenade to the War Memorial, arriving there at around 4.40pm.

Spectator areas have been set up on Douglas seafront with the Manx public urged to show their support.