 About 3,000 people turned out to watch the troops parade |
About 3,000 spectators have turned out to watch troops parade through the city of Winchester to mark their return from active duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 300 soldiers from The Rifles and the King's Royal Hussars, the 1st Battalion Irish Guards and 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards took part.
They were joined by personnel from HMS Richmond, RAF Odiham and the 4 General Support (Medical) Regiment.
Two Chinook helicopters from RAF Odiham made a flypast during the parade.
The men and women marched up the medieval high street to flag waving and applause from the crowds.
They then attended a reception in their honour hosted by Hampshire County Council.
"I think the people of Hampshire are quietly proud of their Armed Forces but (a bit) too quiet," said councillor Ken Thornber, leader of the county council.
"We were worried about the fact that some troops were coming home with injuries and weren't, in our view, being properly recognised."
Most of the regiments that took part are stationed at the home of the British Army in Aldershot, while some have long associations with Winchester.
Each unit received a ceremonial scroll and all personnel received a glass tankard and a bottle of beer from local breweries.
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