Thousands cheer troops' homecoming

About 120 troops from 10 Field Squadron Royal Engineers took part in the homecoming parade yesterday after they flew back into the UK on Sunday evening.

More than 2,000 members of the public, including a 1,000 schoolchildren and students, lined the route to cheer on the parade, which was accompanied by the Band of the Heavy Cavalry and Cambra from Catterick Garrison.

The Army troops, who are based at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, were responsible for overseeing a wide range of engineering projects while they were stationed in Afghanistan. They helped build helipads and check-points as well as repair roads and runways during the tour.

RAF Leeming's engagement officer, Tim Reid, said: "None of the soldiers expected to have such a reception for the homecoming parade, and they were overwhelmed by the response from the public."

The Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Lord Craythorne, the Mayor of Northallerton, Coun Tony Hall, and senior military officers including Group Captain Bill Gibson, the station commander of RAF Leeming, were at the parade.

They also attended a service at All Saints Church in Northallerton which was held after the parade.

Picture: Gary Longbottom