ON a damp, grey day, thousands turned out to welcome troops returning home from a six-month tour of Afghanistan.

Soldiers from 21 Engineer Regiment, based at Claro Barracks, in Ripon, marched through the city yesterday.

Residents, veterans and children from 18 schools gathered to cheer the regiment, which lost four soldiers during the tour – Sappers Daryn Roy, 28, from Dipton, County Durham, Darren Foster, 20, from Cumbria, Ishwor Gurung, 21, from Nepal, and Lance Corporal Barry Buxton, 27, from Stoke.

Many shops were decorated with banners and the crowds waved Union flags. Corporal Jamie Townsend, 30, from Middlesbrough, said: “It was good to see everyone there and showing their support.

“We expected to get a good turnout. Everyone is happy to be back and it was a very proud moment for the families.”

Major Bernard Whishaw, 38, said: “It is quite a special occasion.

The soldiers who were over there have been magnificent and this has been emotional.

“When you see the crowd, you can feel the support from the people of Ripon. It is fantastic and I feel very proud.”

Ripon county councillor Bernard Bateman said: “This means a tremendous amount to the city.

“The military makes up about 15 per cent of the city’s population and it is good to support the troops coming home.”

Mayor David Elsy joined Lieutenant General David Bill to receive the salute. The soldiers were given campaign medals before they joined their families at Ripon Cathedral for a short service.

Maggie Gilpin, from Newton Abbot, in Devon, was in the crowd to welcome home her son, Lance Corporal Michael Burley, 28.

She said: “He has been away for six months and this is a very proud moment and it is nice to see them back.

“It means a lot to us and it has being an anxious time for the families.”

Zoe Hickman, 34, was there supporting her husband Nigel, 28. She said: “I had twins a month after he went away – they are five months old now. I am just so glad he is home, I am really proud of him.”