UNION flags will be out in force when one of the British Army's most battle-hardened battalions parades through Romford.
The town centre will host a march past of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, affectionately known as the Vikings, on November 6.
The parade, the time of which has yet to be announced, will take place after the regiment returns from its fourth, and probably final, tour of Afghanistan later this month.
Those who attend will be treated to the sight of the soldiers in full parade uniform, with colours flying and bayonets fixed.
The parade will be accompanied by music from the regimental band and will conclude with an inspection of the troops under the Union flag in Market Place.
The Royal Anglians were given the freedom of the borough of Havering in 2010 – an honour required to permit next month's march to take place.
Councillor Robbie Benham, cabinet member for community empowerment at Havering Council, said: "Everyone is incredibly proud of the work, not just of the Royal Anglian Regiment, but of all our Armed Forces that do an amazing job on our behalf.
"I, for one, plan to be on the streets of Romford on November 6 when the Vikings will parade.
"It is bound to be a glorious sight and fitting to mark the end of their final tour in Afghanistan. They will be handing over responsibility for their area to local security – a job well done."
He added: "Earlier this year Havering Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which establishes a special relationship between the armed forces, council and residents. The military is an essential part of our culture, and we've pledged to support them in every way we can."
Romford MP Andrew Rosindell added: "We owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women of the armed services who display the utmost commitment and professionalism in working to defend the interests of our country."
Since the war in Afghanistan began in 2002, 16 soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment have been killed in action and many others have been wounded.
As well as Romford, the Vikings will visit Basildon, Ipswich, Diss and Peterborough next month.
The news comes in the wake of the announcement that the Queen will visit The Drapers' Academy in Harold Hill on October 26.
