There are now less than 24 hours to go before Hampshire troops stage a freedom march in the county.

In A rallying cry for tomorrow's military parade, Winchester veterans have spoken of their pride in the march.

The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, known as the Tigers, will parade through the city tomorrow

At Serle’s House, home to the Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum, they gathered at the memorial and recalled their time in the spotlight.

Norman Alexander, 92, and a recipient of the Military Medal, said: “The first time I marched down Winchester, in 1939, it was to show that we were good boys and we were doing our bit.

“It's a great occasion for the county and for Winchester.”

Lt Col Colin Bulleid, curator at the museum, said: “I have marched through Winchester in the past. It’s an enormous sense of pride to march through your home town. It’s quite an emotional feeling.”

The Tigers – Hampshire’s own Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment (PWRR) –- will march down the High Street on Monday to exercise their right of Freedom of Entry, an ancient privilege which means some regiments get to parade through the city with “bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying.”

Norman King, 74, chairman of the Southampton and Eastleigh branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “We did march through the city and it was something to be proud of; proud of serving, pride in your country and it gives you a boost. I think all the men on Monday will feel the same way.

But it’s not just the veterans, as the Winchester Scouts also gathered to show their support for our troops last Monday.

They were led by district commissioner Stephen Parker, himself a former Captain in The Queen'’ Regiment, a precursor to the PWRR.

He said: “I think they are pleased about the parade and many of them have parents, siblings and relatives in the armed forces, so I think they understand why it’s important.

And following the Echo’s campaign to get shops raising awareness of the parade, more organisations have Uturned on their decision not to promote it.

Travel agents Kuoni, and Caffe Nero, have since requested posters for their windows, while bookmakers Coral have reversed their stance and offered the soldiers and their family 250 free tickets for an event at Sandown racecourse.