SOLDIERS returning from duty in Afghanistan were given a heroes’ welcome when they paraded through the streets of Bury.

More than 250 soldiers from the Second Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF) were met with cheers and applause during a homecoming parade on Monday.

Large crowds lined the streets, some waving flags and banners, to show their support for servicemen and women who have spent the last six months deployed in Helmand Province.

The town came to a standstill at 2.30pm as thousands braved freezing conditions to follow the parade from Wellington Road towards Market Street and Bury Town Hall, accompanied by the Gurkhas band.

The atmosphere was one of pride and joy for the 2RRF troops while those who did not return were remembered. A total of seven soldiers from the regiment died while serving in Helmand Province and many more were injured.

The salute was taken outside Bury Town Hall before the parade marched down Silver Street, past the new Fusilier Museum to Bury Parish Church and back to the town hall for a reception.

Mayor of Bury, Councillor Shelia Magnall, congratulated the troops and Commanding Officer of the 2RRF, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Calder, gave a touching speech about their efforts in the war zone.

Lt Cl Calder said: “They showed courage and companionship in equal measure and I am most proud of the restraint they showed even in the intense pressure.

“I am confident that we left our little part of Afghanistan considerably better than we found it.”

During their deployment in Helmand Province, soldiers were divided between the areas of Sanghim and Musca Qal’ah.

Facing constant threat of attack and temperatures of more than 50 degrees, they fought for control of the Afghan government and its people.

All seven fatalities were part of the 120 based in the Sanghim area, two of which were from the North West.

Among those taking part in Monday’s parade was Drummer Stewart Spensley, aged 31, from Bury, who was separated from his two-year-old daughter Mollie while serving as part of the machine gun platoon.

Dmmr Spensley said: “It was hard being away from her and also hard taking the news about a number of my friends who lost their lives.

“When you first find out you are devastated, but then it kicks in and you just have to carry on, do your best for the lads that have been injured or killed and get on with the job.”

Sergeant Matthew Palmieri, aged 28, from the Woodhill area of Bury, was thrilled to be reunited with fiancé Caroline Freely.

The couple, who have been together for two years, got engaged when Sgt Palmieri proposed via telephone from Afganistan.

They are now planning a military-style wedding to take place next July.

Miss Freely, aged 29, said: “It has been awful while he was away and I was anxious, but we are very proud. It is worrying when you here about the fatalities but they are doing a really good job and that is what they want to do.”

Cheering on the homecoming parade with a “welcome home” banner and waving British flags was 30-year-old Claire Ingham, from Tottington, and her friends.

Miss Ingham said: “It is important to support them and show that we appreciate what they have done for us and their bravery and courage. We just want them home.”