3 November 2012 Last updated at 08:46 ET

Thousands of people lined Edinburgh's Royal Mile to watch soldiers from the 3rd Battalion The Rifles take part in a homecoming parade.

During the event they received the freedom of the city - the first English battalion to be awarded the honour.

The soldiers recently completed a six-month tour of Afghanistan, where they were deployed in Helmand Province.

The battalion traditionally recruits in England but has been based at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh since 2003.

Commanding officer Lt Col Charlie Maconochie said: "It is a great honour and privilege that the council and the people of Edinburgh have decided to bestow such a high accolade. We are hugely proud of our association with Edinburgh and view this very much as our home.

"The battalion deployed on operations to Afghanistan in March this year, returning throughout October. Receiving this civic award shows the soldiers how much their efforts are appreciated by the people of Edinburgh, something every rifleman will be immensely proud of.

"We are extremely grateful to the local community in Colinton and Edinburgh for all the support we received during the tour.

"The homecoming parade gives families, friends and supporters a chance to see my riflemen receiving thanks from their local community. The soldiers are now looking forward to a well-earned break with their loved ones after a challenging but hugely successful deployment."

The soldiers were cheered as they marched to the sounds of a military band down the historic street between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

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Battalion granted freedom of city