HIS ROYAL Highness The Duke of Edinburgh spoke of his pride today (Wednesday, May 1) as he visited Catterick Garrison to hand out operation medals to troops recently returned from Afghanistan.

Prince Phillip arrived at the headquarters of 1 Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) to present the medals in his role as Colonel in Chief.

REME was deployed to Task Force Helmand on Operation Herrick 17 under the command of Brigadier Bob Bruce between October 2012 and April this year.

After marching onto the parade ground to music from the Heavy Cavalry Cambrai Band, hundreds of soldiers waited in front of a large crowd of family and friends for the Duke to arrive.

The Duke of Edinburgh said: “I cannot say how pleased I am to have the opportunity to present your medals this morning.

“Everyone here is delighted to have you back after your successful tour – there is no doubt that you did extremely well and everyone here is very proud of your service.”

Platoon Commander Captain Pete Hockley said: “The company has worked very hard, especially for the last six months so it is nice to be recognised and have His Royal Highness here to present the medals.”

Corporal Stephen Ward, 25, from Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, said it was great to have his family at the medals ceremony because the last time he was honoured he was in Germany.

He was joined by wife Joanna Ward, and their children Tyler, three, and Ruby, nine months.

Mrs Ward said: “I managed while he was away, as I have a lot of family around me, but Tyler missed his dad and did struggle quite a lot. It will be nice to have some time together as a family and go on holiday.”

Lance Corporal Connie Searl, 21, from Great Smeaton, near Northallerton, said she found the experience challenging, but she was proud of herself.

“I have been in the Army for about four years, but this was my first tour in Afghanistan," she said.

“It made me come out of my shell a lot – it was emotional, but a huge achievement.”

Her mother, Angela Metcalf, said: “I am so proud of her – but I did not sleep for the six months while she was away.”