Royal Marines given heroes welcome.

THIS was the scene in Honiton tonight (Friday) as residents turned out to welcome the March for Honour to town.

The Royal Marines, led by Lance Corporal Ram Patten, are staying overnight in the town en-route to Wootton Bassett where they will meet up with other marchers representing the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Ending at the Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall, the event aims to raise �1 million for the Royal British Legion.

Honiton’s fund-raising barber, Alan Rowe MBE, is a patron of the March for Honour. He told the Midweek Herald he felt “very proud” of the turnout.

“It is fabulous,” he said.

Mr Rowe is also the founder of the Honiton-based Baton charity, which is being supported by the marines during their march.

Lance Corporal Patten was carrying the Baton as he marched in to Exeter Road, where dozens of families lined the route to cheer him on.

In Dowell Street, more than 150 people gave the marines a heroes’ welcome.

Fireworks were set off to mark their arrival.

Young members of Honiton Twirlstars shook their pom-poms as a mark of respect and enthusiastic members of the Honiton detachment of Devon Army Cadets treated the marchers like pop stars.

Many veterans and their families also lined Dowell Street.

Ice baths were provided for the marchers before they went on to attend a civic reception at the Royal British Legion Club.

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