Rifles squadron rewarded for service with 'Freedom of Milton Keynes' honour

vThe 678 (Rifles) Squadron have been given the Freedom of Milton Keynes. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Milton Keynes has been honouring the men and women of the Army Air Corps' 678 (Rifles) Squadron - by awarding them the 'Freedom of the Borough'.

The award was presented by the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr David Hopkins, at a ceremony which included a marching band.

The Rifles have a long association with the area and become only the seventh organisation or individual to be given the honour since 1974.

The freedom entitles the squadron to march in Milton Keynes with fixed bayonets.

The honour was awarded at a ceremony on Sunday. Credit: ITV News Anglia

"The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour that the borough can actually bestow on an individual or organisation," Mr Hopkins told ITV News Anglia.

"678 rifles have a long, long history in North Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes and it was long overdue so we are bestowing this honour for services over many, many decades."