ARMY signallers marched through the streets of York yesterday, drawing applause from shoppers, before receiving operational service medals.

Major Jed Toze, second in command of 2 Signals Regiment, and Councillor Brian Watson, the Lord Mayor of York, presented the medals in a ceremony in the city’s museum gardens.

Fifty-eight soldiers from the regiment recently completed a six-month tour of duty in Iraq, working as the Signal Troop in Baghdad and providing support to counterparts in Basra.

Coun Watson praised the soldier for their hard work, both during the tour – when they did “a difficult job in difficult conditions” and for their fundraising efforts.

The squadron presented cheques totalling £4,200 to the Army Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes – money they raised during a series of events, including a six-hour swimathon, completed in their Army combats and body armour.

Lieutenant Giles Sayner, who headed up the Signal Troop in Baghdad, said: “Officers and soldiers from the Baghdad communications troop have just returned from a very demanding tour supporting British military personnel deployed in Iraq.

“The troop was kept busy throughout the tour, fitting and moving communications infrastructure in Baghdad.

“It has been a challenging but rewarding six months away on tour and they are now looking forward to a relaxing Christmas and New Year at home with friends and family.”