Crowds give troops proudest send-off (PICTURES + VIDEO)

SOLDIERS were given one of their best send-offs yet as they marched through Stoke-on-Trent's city centre.

Hundreds of people turned out to see up to 150 troops from the 3rd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, parade through Hanley on Saturday.

The march came half-way through a tour of the region ahead of the regiment's move to Fallingbostel, in Germany, for 10 years.

They are visiting 11 towns and cities during two parade weeks before the move in July.

A parade took place in Newcastle last week and others will take place in Leek and Biddulph in April.

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Many of those who took part on Saturday were overwhelmed by the support they received.

Private Adam Whitehurst, aged 21, from Burslem.

He said: "It made us quite proud to see so many people.

"I know we are not The Staffords any more, but the support was great."

Second Lieutenant Oliver Flacket, from Fulford, has been in the Army for 18 months.

The 24-year-old said: "Today has been mega – absolutely awesome.

"It was one of the better turnouts we have had and really impressive.

"Considering we are now the Staffordshire and West Midlands battalion, it is good to see we have got so much support.

"Going to Germany will be a very good opportunity for the lads.

"It is a way of keeping the battalion together.

"There will be a lot more camaraderie and a better atmosphere within the battalion.

"I'm really looking forward to going out there."

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Video: Watch student Andrew Stuart's video of the parade

Private Daniel Sharpley, aged 27, from Leek, said: "We're looking forward to going over to Germany because it will be such a good experience living in another country."

Former Staffordshire University student Major Andy Malannahan , from Sussex, said: "This has been a chance to show our appreciation to the people of Stoke-on-Trent for the support they have given us over the years.

"It has also been great to come back to Stoke-on-Trent."

Accompanied by the band of the Prince of Wales' Division, the parade began at John Street car park before marching up and around the back of the Potteries Shopping Centre, a salute in Upper Market Square and then back down to John Street. Stoke-on-Trent's Lord Mayor Derek Capey joined Peter Moxon OBE, a Deputy Lieutenant, in the salute.

Mr Capey said: "We thought it was very important to hold a parade and a send-off.

"A lot of the lads are recruited from this area and they are going to go away for quite a long period of time so it is only right to let them parade through the city.

"Many children will never have seen anything like this and we're looking to do a lot more of this kind of thing."

After the parade, troops headed to Britannia Stadium where they were treated to tickets for the match and paraded the pitch at half-time.

The former mascot of the Staffords, a Staffordshire bull terrier called Sergeant Watchman IV, also helped to lead the players out.

As part of the day's celebrations, Colour Sergeant Gary Golbey, aged 42, from Kidsgrove, was given an extra treat.

The lifelong Stoke City fan, who has been with the regiment for 22 years, had already picked up an award for his service that morning and was given a seat in the directors' box at Stoke City during the match.

He said: "It was fantastic sitting in the directors' box.

"I was right behind John Rudge and everyone was very friendly and welcoming.

"I thought the parade was excellent.

"It was fantastic to see the support for The Staffords and it's nice to know we are a respected regiment.

"For me, it made a change to be watching as a spectator and I would very much have liked to be part of it.

"Unfortunately, I've only got six months left in the regiment because I'm getting over a brain tumour.

"But I have enjoyed every minute of my Army career.

"It has taken me to Germany, Canada, Iraq, Bosnia and many other places.

"I enjoyed all my time in Germany and I'm sure the lads will too.

"I'll see them over there because I'll be going over for a visit."

Colonel Tim Sandiford, the last commanding officer of the Staffordshire Regiment, added: "Gary is a top Stokie and we are very sad to see him leave."