Published: 10/03/2010 08:47 - Updated: 10/03/2010 08:50

UP TO 900 school children will be among supporters turning out in Ashbourne to fly the flag for the Mercians, organisers have announced this week.

Final preparations are being put in place for the march by the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment on Thursday, March 18 and members of Ashbourne’s branch of the Royal British Legion say around 220 soldiers will be part of the parade.

Flags are now on sale in both Cannon’s Newsagents in the Market Place and Lumbards Toy Shop, and Schools and nursery groups will assemble at points along the route.

The regiment’s commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Colin Marks said: “These events are the ideal opportunity for friends and family of the regiment to welcome home the 2nd battalion Mercian regiment after an often demanding operational tour.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we received from the people of Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and this is a way of us showing their appreciation to them.

“During the last six month tour five members of the battalion were killed and 20 were seriously wounded in one of the bloodiest years for British forces since deploying to Afghanistan in 2001.” Ashbourne Royal British Legion secretary Tony Millward added: “Obviously we would like as many people as possible to turn out to show our regiment support.

“I think it’s going to be a great honour to have the regiment as this is the first time they have marched in the Derbyshire Dales and we really do hope everyone will buy a flag and cheer them on along their route.” As part of the preparations for the march, the British Legion has been busy raising funds for a lavish reception for the parade at the Green Man Royal Hotel following the service and members say they are delighted with the response.

Nearly £1,000 has been collected through donations, a collection day at Sainsbury’s supermarket, a bingo night and a £300 handout from the Ashbourne Lions — but funds are still needed to meet the huge hospitality costs and donations are still being welcomed.

Mr Millward has expressed his thanks to everyone who has donated money so far and promised to write personally to all contributors following the march.

Parking restrictions will be in place in both Buxton Road and Mayfield Road between 10am, when the soldiers are due to assemble, at noon to ensure the huge parade of soldiers, cadets, exservicemen and many others can navigate easily.

Mr Millward apologises for any inconvenience caused to motorists during the parade and also warns that the church may struggle to seat some people for the service due to the huge numbers expected to attend.