FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH OF MACCLESFIELD FOR THE 1st BATTALION THE MERCIAN REGIMENT (CHESHIRE)

That this House congratulates the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) on receiving the Freedom of the Borough of Macclesfield from its last Mayor, Councillor Mrs Thelma Jackson; praises the people of the Borough of Macclesfield for the tremendous reception they gave to members of the Regiment when they marched through the town on 19 March 2009; and further extends its gratitude to all the UK's armed forces at home and abroad for the outstanding service which they give to the nation.