Service to welcome home soldiers

Members of the Battalion took part in a St Patrick's Day parade in March

A special service and parade will be held in a Shropshire town next month to welcome home soldiers after their six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment, is based at the Tern Hill barracks, near Market Drayton.

About 250 soldiers along with their families are expected to attend the service at Shrewsbury Abbey on 16 October.

After the service, troops will march along the town's Abbey Foregate.

Shropshire County Council chairman Brian Gillow said he hoped as many people as possible would turn out to welcome the soldiers home.

Members of the Battalion took part in a St Patrick's Day parade in March before leaving for Afghanistan.