Welcome home parade idea for Tern Hill soldiers

A homecoming parade could be held in Shropshire for soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan.

Mayor of Market Drayton, Councillor Roger Smith, wants the town council to put on a "welcome home" parade for 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment in April.

He is due to put the proposal to the council when it meets on Thursday.

More than 120 soldiers based at Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, were deployed to Afghanistan in September following months of intense training and preparation.

The mayor's proposal is "that the town council hosts a welcome home parade through Market Drayton for the Royal Irish Regiment after their tour of duty on April 11."

Councillor Smith today said he was unable to share any further details until members of the town council has voted on the idea.

Troops from the regiment have been in Helmand province in support of Operation Herrick 13.

Amid emotional scenes, friends and family were out in force to bid their loved ones farewell when they set off in the autumn.