Soldiers parade through Blackpool

The soldiers paraded through the streets of the resort

About 100 soldiers recently returned from duty in Afghanistan and Iraq have paraded through Blackpool.

Some of the members of 9 (Plassey) Battery, 12 Regiment Royal Artillery who marched have just finished a six-month tour of Afghanistan.

Those from the regiment who went to Iraq in April returned to the UK in June.

They marched from Bank Hey Street, near Blackpool Tower, to St John's Church for a service.

The soldiers then formed up in the new plaza outside the church to be presented with their operational service medals.

The regiment, which is also known as The Lancashire and Cumbrian Gunners, holds the Freedom of Blackpool and it recruits many of its soldiers from the north-west of England.

Nine Battery's key affiliation is with Blackpool which is why we are parading here today Major Ben Ingham, Battery Commander

Major Ben Ingham, Battery Commander, said: "Twelve regiment recruits from Lancashire and Cumbria - we're the Lancashire and Cumbria gunners.

"The majority of our soldiers are from Blackpool, Preston and outlying areas.

"So it's really important for us to come back here to exercise our freedom of Blackpool, which the regiment has been offered.

"Nine Battery's key affiliation is with Blackpool which is why we are parading here today.

"It has been an absolutely fantastic event... the crowds have turned out in force and we've had a fantastic day."