The council voted unanimously to hold a homecoming parade for the Irish Guards in autumn 2010 when they return from a tour of Helmand province.

Both unionists and nationalists backed the proposal, which will mean that the soldiers from the predominantly Catholic regiment know of the honour they will receive on their return, before they leave the UK.

Strangford Assemblyman Jim Shannon who, along with Councillor Jeffrey Magill, proposed that the Irish Guards be given a homecoming parade and receive the freedom of the borough, said that he was delighted the entire council had backed the motion.

"It was a good debate and there was full support across the chamber," he said.

"The DUP, UUP, Alliance, SDLP and independent councillors all were in favour of it – there was no dissension whatsoever.

"There are 62 Irish Guards from Ards borough as well as members of the regiment deployed with special forces."

Alderman Shannon, himself a former member of the Royal Artillery and Ulster Defence Regiment, said that the area had been a strong supporter of the military over many years.

"There are more than 320 people living in the borough who have served in the Irish Guards," he said.

"I'm delighted this parade will take place and have a vision of people filling the streets to welcome these men home."

The Irish Guards and the Royal Irish Regiment are the last two Irish infantry regiments in the British Army.

Lord Gerry Fitt's brother served in the regiment and was killed in action during the Second World War. Lord Fitt was later to become an honorary member of the regiment's sergeants' mess.

"I think it will be fantastic that they go there knowing this is waiting for them when they return from duty," Alderman Shannon added.

The Irish Guards took part in the Belfast homecoming parade on November 2, which saw tens of thousands of people crowd the centre of the city to cheers troops, sailors, airmen and medics through the streets.