Heroes' welcome for soldiers

Market Drayton based soldiers enjoyed a heroes welcome in their home country this weekend on a whistle-stop tour of military parades.

Troops serving with the Royal Irish Regiment were on parade in Ireland, marching through the streets of Ballymena on Friday, Larne on Saturday and Belfast yesterday.

Some members of the first battalion of the regiment, which is based at the Clive Barracks at Tern Hill, took part in the parades alongside other soldiers serving with the Royal Irish Regiment.

Captain Brian Johnson, who is based at Tern Hill, said more than 30,000 people turned out to watch the parade in Belfast.

"It was amazing. In Belfast you could not hear the band when we stepped out because the crowds were cheering so much. It was a fabulous atmosphere," he said.

Members of the first battalion are due to return to the Clive Barracks this weekend.