Thousands welcome Mercian troops

Thousands lined the streets to greet the soldiers

Thousands of people have lined the streets of Nottingham to welcome home troops from the Mercian Regiment who have returned from duty in Afghanistan.

About 350 soldiers from the regiment's 2nd Battalion marched through the city after returning from a six-month tour.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Banton said: "The boys take a huge amount from it. All they crave is recognition for their efforts."

The 2nd Battalion lost nine men during their tour of Afghanistan.

Private Jamie Grocock, 25, from Nottingham, said: "It was a great turn-out. It touches you when you hear people clapping. It makes you feel proud.

"Out there in Afghanistan you don't think you get a lot of respect but coming here shows people appreciate what we are doing."

'Welcome parade'

Private Iain Melrose, 28, said: "What has happened is that with the loss of people, it brings it home to people back here what we go through."

Major Paul Gilby had earlier called for soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq to be given a "hero's welcome" by the people of Nottinghamshire.

A service was held at St Mary's Church in Nottingham

"This is not an act of remembrance, we're having that next week in Westminster Abbey," said Major Gilby.

"This is a welcome home parade but they [the nine men] are always with us.

"Every time there's a Last Post or a minute's silence, they are forever at the forefront of your mind, particularly the guys, the friends you've lost."

The troops - who have freedom of the city - marched with bayonets fixed and their colours flying.

After the parade and a church service, the regiment took part in a civic reception at the Council House in Nottingham which saw 12 Nottinghamshire soldiers presented with their Operation Herrick campaign medals.

Three historic regiments merged as part of the British Army's infantry restructuring plans to make the new Mercian regiment in August.

The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment, the Staffordshire Regiment and the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters combined to become the Mercian Regiment.