THOUSANDS of people lined the streets yesterday to give soldiers returning from Afghanistan a hero’s welcome.

Children, shoppers, pensioners and office workers waved flags and banners as 120 troops from 10 Field Squadron Royal Engineers paraded through Northallerton High Street, in North Yorkshire.

Soldiers struggled to contain broad smiles as an estimated 2,000 people clapped and cheered.

Many shops were decorated with flags, balloons and banners.

Workers hung out of windows to watch the parade and many of the town’s primary schools took pupils to see the spectacle.

The squadron, based at nearby RAF Leeming, is just back from a six-month tour of Afghanistan where it has built bridges to make life easier for the locals.

Sapper Emma Thomson, 19, from Newton Aycliffe, was among the North-East soldiers taking part in the parade.

She said: “I didn’t expect that many people. You well up walking down the street. You’re supposed to keep a straight face, but you can’t help it.

“I think it’s important we get support – not a lot of people know how much support there is until you see them lining the streets.”

Her mother, Annmarie Thomson, said: “I’m just glad to have her home safe and sound.”

Lance Corporal Shane Johns, from Leeming, said: “It’s great to see so many people turn up.

Everybody appreciated it.”

The soldiers were accompanied by the Band of the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai.

After the parade, soldiers and their families gathered at All Saints Church, Northallerton, for a short service. They were accompanied by Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Lord Craythorne and the mayor of Northallerton, Tony Hall.

Councillor Hall said: “It’s a very important day for Northallerton.

I think we can see in the high street 1,200 kids, all the shops have bunting out and I think this just shows the importance.

“I’m quite emotional myself and I think there will be tears in the eyes of some of the lads as they see how much support there is for them.”