Led by the Princess of Wales Regimental Band, soldiers marched from the Stade to the Town Hall with colours flying and bayonets fixed.

Once there, the regiment was inspected by dignitaries and commanding officer Lt Colonel Michael Kelly formally accepted the Freedom of the Hastings on behalf of the regiment, known as the Hampshire and Sussex Gunners.

He thanked Hastings Mayor Maureen Charlesworth and people living in the town for their support in obtaining the honour.

"Like many units in the Army today we are very busy and have a new role deploying with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle rather than in our traditional role of air defence," he added.

"Currently over 100 soldiers from 21 Battery are deployed in the operational theatres of Iraq and Afghanistan and are due to return home in late October - our thoughts are with those soldiers and their families today.

"Soldiers from 10 battery, also on parade today, will be deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan in October.

25/170 Battery make up the majority of soldiers on parade and have recently returned from a very successful six month tour of Iraq and Afghanistan."

A remembrance event was later held in Alexandra Park.

Cllr Charlesworth said: "It was a day of tremendous importance for the regiment and the town. The Royal Artillery were our defenders during the Second World War. They had two batteries, on the East Hill and West Hill, thoughout the war.

"We have had close links with the Royal Artillery and Pensioners' Association ever since."