Crowds greet troops at Parliament

The troops were led by the Royal Marines Band

Troops who have returned from Afghanistan were cheered as they marched to the House of Commons.

Crowds waving flags greeted 120 troops from 3 Commando Brigade as they made their way to Parliament from Wellington Barracks, near Buckingham Palace.

Led by the Royal Marines Band, they marched to the House of Commons for a drinks reception in their honour.

L/Cpl Tim Skinner, 25, said: "It's nice to get a bit of recognition from people and it's nice to show off."

The soldier, from 2 Princess Wales' Royal Regiment, returned from Afghanistan in the spring after a four-month tour.

I saw things I probably never want to see again Medical Assistant Roxanne Starsmeare

He added: "It's good for the unit. The British people are always good to get behind the forces.

"I've been to Afghanistan twice in the last year or so... it was quite a tough tour, but it was good."

He said he was not upset by the protests which have been held at other homecoming parades.

Medical Assistant Roxanne Starsmeare, 23, from the Commando Logistics Regiment, said: "I've seen people today I haven't seen since I was in Afghanistan, so it was nice to catch up.

"I met people there I never thought I'd meet, got on really well with everyone, learned things I never would have learnt, saw things I probably never want to see again, but I think that happens to everyone."

Minister for the Armed Forces Bill Rammell, who greeted the soldiers at the reception, said: "This is incredibly important for recognising the huge professional dedication and heroism of 3 Commando Brigade.

"It's right that we celebrate the work that they've undertaken, and what they have achieved and contributed in Helmand Province."

Mr Rammell also praised the troops for their help in tackling the drug problem in Afghanistan.