WORCESTERSHIRE’S county regiment The Mercian, of which Prince Charles is Colonel in Chief, is to be presented with new Colours during an historic ceremony at Worcester’s Sixways stadium on Thursday, June 6.

Around 400 soldiers from all four battalions of the regiment, which was created by merger in 2007, plus veterans and cadets will parade together for the first time.

Colours are only presented every 25 years and the event is expected to be attended by hundreds of ex-soldiers and their families.

The Mayor of Worcester Coun Roger Berry said: “I was very pleased to hear the news. It is a great honour for Worcester, which has a long and distinguished connection with the British Amy.”

The Mercian Regiment was formed in 2007 through the merger of three single battalion regiments: 1st Battalion The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment, 1st Battalion

The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, and 1st Battalion The Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales’s) became the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of The Mercian Regiment respectively. The 4th (Volunteer) Battalion was created from The West Midlands Regiment and The King’s and Cheshire Regiment.

Since amalgamation each battalion has served under their own Colours, which will be marched off for the final time, before a service is held to consecrate the new Colours before they are presented, trooped and then marched off.

Music will include the regimental march and many antecedent marches. On parade will be large contingents from all four Mercian battalions, antecedent regimental associations and affiliated cadet forces.

The presentation of new Colours is open to the families and friends of the regiment and the parade will be followed by lunch, for which there is a range of subsidised options available from a £4 picnic on the grass to a £17 three-course sit down meal.

A heavily discounted transport plan to the event is also available. Anyone wishing to attend should ring 0115 946 5415 or 01543 434390.