Military thanks city for support

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Crowds welcome hundreds of troops from 3 Commando Brigade who marched through Plymouth

Two hundred Royal Marines and other commandos have marched through Plymouth to thank the city for its support during their deployment to Afghanistan.

The men from 3 Commando, based at Stonehouse Barracks, set off from the Hoe and marched up Royal Parade.

Crowds of well-wishers lined the city's streets to cheer the troops who also received a salute by the lord mayor outside the Guildhall.

On Friday Exeter will also host a parade for returning Royal Marines.

'Unsung heroes'

Captain Jim Pascoe, 3 Commando Brigade Adjutant, said: "This is our home city and we are honoured that the city council, on behalf of the people of Plymouth, value us so highly that they asked us to take part in this event.

"We were very keen to show how much we value the support of the people of Plymouth during our time in theatre in support of operations in Afghanistan."

He said the units were the "unsung heroes" of the operations as they comprised the headquarters staff, the commanders who directed operations and the Landing Support Group advance force communication specialists.

The Royal Marine Association of Veterans, with its ceremonial colours, also took the salute.