The “tremendous bravery” of Shropshire-based soldiers was honoured at a homecoming march in Shrewsbury following a seven-month tour of Afghanistan.

A hero’s welcome was given to the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, which paraded from the town’s castle to the Abbey for a service yesterday. Among the 2,000 onlookers was Jack Underwood, 81, who served with the Royal Army Ordnance Core for 30 years.

He said: “It’s an incredible business and the bravery of these men is tremendous.

“We are used to seeing so much of what they do on a box in the corner of the room. But it’s very important to be here to show our support.”

Meanwhile, pupils from St Winifred’s School in Belmont lined the streets waving flags and cheering.

Sister Felicity said one of their pupils had a father serving in the regiment.

She added: “The children were all very excited because they don’t often see the Army.”

The tour saw the loss of three soldiers – Ranger Aaron McCormick and Lance Corporal Stephen McKee, killed in action and the loss of Ranger David Dalzell in an operational accident.

Corporal James Clarke attended the event with his son Thomas. He said: “The support shown from the public has been tremendous. We had a great tour and carried out some good work with the people over there. We are a very close knit unit. It’s nice to be back home.”

Linda Patterson, who was joined by her son Louis, eight, and mother Diana Farmer, said: “We’re very proud to be here and the atmosphere as they came marching through with the music was wonderful.”

Louis, who was dressed in a new army outfit with medals, said he had been looking forward to the parade for days. He said: “I enjoyed every bit of it and it made me feel really good.”

Shopkeepers also stood outside their stores to cheer on the soldiers.

Ron Moorcroft, of Shrewsbury Cobbler, said: “I grew up in Northern Ireland, so I found it quite emotional when the regiment came down the road playing their music.

“I went outside to welcome them home.”

Owen Paterson, MP for North Shropshire and Northern Ireland Secretary, attended marches in both Shrewsbury and Market Drayton. He said: “Never has a regiment got so much community support.

“We are delighted that so many have come back to us but we must also remember the McCormick, McKee and Dalzell families and are grateful for what they have done.”

By Sam Pinnington