Welcoming home Afghanistan troops

Crowds and soldiers at the homecoming ceremony of the 17 Port and Maritime Regiment in Southampton reflect on the event and their views on the armed forces.

Andy Eshak , 40, Matilda Eshak, five months, and Lynn Horman, 40 from Southampton

Andy Eshak and Lynn Horman - showing "moral support"

Andy: "It's good to get behind the boys and girls and say thank you and that we are proud of them.

"There's been a lot of tragedy in recent months with bringing home the fallen but this is a time to show some moral support."

Lynn: "It's history in the making today - it's something to tell your children about - it's good to be involved even though we're a small part of it.

"I think it's important for everyone to show their support - it doesn't matter whether you agree with any of it or not - they are out there doing a job that I wouldn't want to do.

"I don't think there is enough support shown for what they are doing and the risks they are going to for us."

Laura Wyatt, 28, from Millbrook

Laura Wyatt has a friend in the marines

"I'm here to support our troops because they are doing a fantastic job and I wanted to let them know that we are behind them.

"A school friend of mine is in the Royal Marines and it's important for me to teach my kids about the forces and what they do."

Zorab Patare, 30, and Kinga Quzmnea from Southampton

Zorab Patare and Kinga Quzmnea originally come from Georgia

"We're here to see the show - it's interesting to see how British troops are welcomed home.

"I've seen a few parades in my country.

"But I wanted to see what happens in this country, in this culture with different people."

The Epps Family from Totton

An emotional day for the Epps family

Gary: "We're here today to cheer on the lads and the ladies. I spent 15 years with them at Marchwood and have supported them ever since.

"I miss it dreadfully but I'm a bit too old now - I cant keep up with them! It's quite an emotional day."

Tricia: "We just want to show our support - they get a lot of flack for being over in Afghanistan and they need the support when they get back here.

"They get blamed for what the government is doing but they are just doing their job and they are doing it well."

Staff Sgt James Redler

Staff Sgt James Redler - glad to be home with family

"I'm quite taken by today - I didn't expect so many people out there and the weather held off!

"You see glimpses of support in the press when you are out there - the Wootton Bassett repatriations especially - but you don't really get a good grasp of it until you come back.

"I worked as an operational watchkeeper at HQ on this last posting - it was long hours but relatively calm until the last week when it all went mad with the elections looming.

"We lost an American friend on the last day which was a terrible way to leave."

Isaac Birkett, 10 and Donna Penfold, 34, from Millbrook

Isaac Birket and Donna Penfold

"We've come down to support them because of what they are doing for us.

"I wanted to bring my son down too so he can learn about the troops.

"He likes the history side of it as well so we've walked the city walls today as well."

Salote Tuinaceva, 33, from Marchwood

Originally from Fuiji, Salote Tuinaceva's husband is in the regiment

"We've come today to welcome our husbands and their troops back - we're pleased to see them home again.

"We've really been looking forward to this event

"... and the children are really enjoying it!"

John Wynchcombe, 75, from Eastleigh

Parachute Regiment veteran, John Wynchcombe

"I'm here to pay my respects to those who need support.

"I feel it's important to be here - it's a pity that the government don't support them more.

"I'd like to say well done to them and to keep up the good work."

Staff Sgt Jack Horner

Staff Sgt Jack Horner has been in the regiment since 1994

"It's fantastic seeing the boys come back safe and sound. The support has been superb today - everyone cheering all the way through the streets. I'm really proud to be part of the regiment.

"When you are out there it is reassuring to get messages and letters of support from home to hear people think we're doing a good job - it makes a big difference."