IT was a day of pride touched with sadness for Whitehill and Bordon as the Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers – in recognition of their "gallant and distinguished record" – were given the honorary freedom of the town in an impressive ceremony on Saturday.

The ceremony, which marks the end of the Army's stay in the East Hampshire town, began with a solemn parade of dignitaries and guests – led by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson – from Prince Philip Barracks to the Whitehill and Bordon war memorial on the A325.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.