The Mercian Regiment paraded through Kidderminster and Bewdley today to enormous applause in both towns on their homecoming from Afghanistan.
Mark Garnier joined the crowds in Bewdley to welcome the soldiers home, who have taken part in every major combat operation in Helmand Province between March and September last year. Tragically, the battlegroup of 395 soldiers saw five of their number killed and a further 20 seriously wounded.
Mark later said: "It was a great pleasure to be able to come and join in with the celebrations of the Mercian homecoming. I never fail to be amazed at the dedication of our soldiers and it is right and fitting that we as a country show them our support when they come home. It was a fitting tribute to their bravery and I was delighted to see so many people out in support. It is fantastic that Wyre Forest put up such a good welcome."