Duke presents Yorkshire Regiment with new colours

The Duke of York has presented Yorkshire Regiment soldiers with new colours at a rare ceremony in York.

The event at Imphal Barracks happens only every 20 to 25 years and saw the four battalions together for the first time since being formed in 2006.

The colours, which are ornately embroidered on a flag, represent the battalion's history and hold key battle honours which are emblazoned on them.

On Saturday, soldiers will march in York carrying the four new colours.

More than 1,200 soldiers came together for Friday's ceremony.

This will be followed by a parade on Saturday to York Minister where there will be a service of dedication to bless the new colours.

Lt Col Paul Simpson, The Yorkshire Regiment spokesman, said it was a "great honour" to have the Duke Of York involved.

He added: "Our colonels presentation parade will start with the seven sets of old colours being marched off parade.

"Then four sets of new colours - one for each of the Battalions - will be marched on.

"Having four new sets of colours at the same time is a very rare event."

There are four battalions that make up the Yorkshire Regiment; three from the regular army and the other from the Territorial Army.