THE strong bond between a town and its closest army base was celebrated at an annual event.

The Mayor of Spennymoor, Cllr Geoff O'Hehir, and representatives from Spennymoor Town Council visited D (Rifles) Coy Fifth Fusiliers at their barracks in Bishop Auckland.

Spennymoor has long looked to the D Rifles as close friends as historically the town provided many recruits to the Reserve Infantry Company, previously the Territorial Army, based there many of whom have served in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

On Armed Forces Day, 2012 the company marched through Spennymoor when it was given the freedom of the town.

The company's buglers played a fanfare to mark Cllr O'Hehir's arrival and departure and he was given a full tour and observed training.

He also enjoyed a curry supper and talked to reservists about their experiences whilst working with the reserves and how they balance their civilian and military lives.

Major Andy Sutherland said: “It’s a real privilege to host the mayor and his team at our Army Reserve Centre.

"We think it’s a huge honour to hold the freedom of Spennymoor and always really pleased to host the mayoral team for their yearly visit.

"We have a great relationship with Spennymoor, one which we hope will continue for many years to come."