MORPETH put the flags out today to welcome troops home from Afghanistan.
Hundreds of people lined the streets to cheer more than 150 soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
They have just returned from a seven month deployment in Helmand Province.
The parade, organised by Northumberland County Council, marched from Castle Square, through the Back Riggs area, down Newgate Street and Bridge Street, where the salute was taken by the Duchess of Northumberland.
After the parade the Duchess said: "The Fusiliers have a long and proud relationship with the county and it has been a great privilege to be part of this homecoming parade.
"It is important that we recognise the risks that British troops take on our behalf by honoring them and supporting them on their safe return home.
"I'd like to thank everyone who came along and showed the soldiers just how much their service, often under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions, is appreciated.
"It was a great day and that was mainly down to the hundreds of people who lined the route."
County Council civic head, Coun Kath Nisbet, said: "The event gave us the opportunity to show our support, respect and gratitude for all those who have put their lives at risk for our country.
"It was great to see local people turn out in force to give the troops a rousing welcome home and show them that we really appreciate all that they do."
It was an emotional day for soldiers and their families, but also coloured by concern about the future of the regiment, which faces disbandment under Government plans to replace 20,000 regular troops with 30,000 reservists.
28 сен 2024