Soldiers march through Croydon on homecoming tour

The freedom of Croydon has been granted to the brave army regiment that fallen Shirley soldier Danny Simpson fought with.

It is the first time in the borough's 126-year existence, that a regular army regiment has been given the honour.

Mayor of Croydon Margaret Mead made the surprise announcement yesterday (Thursday) morning ahead of a huge parade involving the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, who were returning from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

More than 100 soldiers marched through the streets of Croydon, from the Mitcham Road barracks to Fairfield Halls, where a reception was held for soldiers and their families.

They were cheered through the streets by a crowd of hundreds.

The soldiers were accompanied by the family of 20-year-old Danny, who was killed fighting the Taliban, in Afghanistan, in July.

Danny, of 2nd Battalion The Rifles, was killed by a makeshift bomb as he was helping one of his injured comrades to safety.

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