Freedom of Sunderland is considered for Rifles Regiment

An Army regiment that recruits heavily in Tyne and Wear is to be considered for the Freedom of Sunderland.

The Rifles Regiment is the largest infantry regiment in the British Army and includes what was formerly the Durham Light Infantry.

Sunderland Council is to consider conferring the honorary freedom of the city on the regiment on 10 September.

The regiment would then exercise its right to march through the city centre on the same day.

Council Leader Paul Watson said: "This honorary freedom is recognition of the regiment' s links to Sunderland in the past, the present and in the future.

"These links have contributed to the community spirit of Sunderland and it is only right that we look at honouring the regiment with the Freedom of the City."

Sunderland City Council will consider the proposal on 2 June.