SOLDIERS from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment were hailed as heroes today as they marched through crowds in Lancaster.

Hundreds gathered on the streets to cheer Cumbrian and Lancashire troops from the First Battalion, on their return from active service in Afghanistan.

The homecoming parade followed on from similar events in Warrington, Manchester and Blackburn, with a final event taking place in Carlisle tomorrow.

Today 120 soldiers toured the city on foot, watched by family, friends, schoolchildren, local workers and residents, who lined the pavements to applaud their bravery.

The men attended a special service at Lancaster Priory to reflect on their six months in conflict and remember the nine members of their regiment who were killed abroad, with a two minute silence.

The Rev Chris Newlands called the lost comrades “lions of England” and photographs and candles were placed in the Priory to allow individuals to pay their respects.

Commanding officer Lt Col Frazer Lawrence led troops on their six-month tour of Afghanistan.

He took part in the procession, which saw troops form up and march up the steps and into Lancaster Town Hall.

"We had a very difficult task in a very dangerous part Afghanistan,” he said.

“We endured 50 degree temperatures, and I must say how proud I am of the lads.

"To see so many people lining the streets to support them is just fantastic."

The regiment’s deputy colonel Peter Rafferty said soldiers had been through an arduous tour and had faced a particularly challenging role in a volatile climate.

“Some of the very young men certainly aren’t young men anymore. This has brought them up as individuals.

“It’s very important to soldiers that the towns they come from rejoice and in what they have done for the people of Afghanistan.

“It really does make a soldier grow several inches taller when he knows he has the support of his local community.”

Geoff and Barbara Hardaker travelled from Bolton-le-sands to honour the soldiers in the snowy weather.

“We love them all and we’re very grateful to them for their efforts,” said Mrs Hardaker.

“We can’t believe how they can go and do that job so it’s hugely important to support the troops.

"Some of them are so young so we feel for their families.

"They deserve our thanks so it’s the least we can do to turn up today.”

Linda Cornell, who owns Gray’s Hairdressers, in Lancaster said: “Everyone here is so proud of our lads.

"It’s freezing cold here today but it goes to show how proud everyone is that they turn up to cheer them on.”

Dozens of children from Skerton High School were also at the parade to cheer on the soldiers.

“A lot of out children join up and a few have family members in the army so they were keen to support them,” said teacher Christine Fell.

Sarah Fishwich, Lancashire County Councillor for Lancaster Rural North said: “I think if people understand what these men have been through there is no doubt that they will want to support them.”

IT HAS been an arduous six months for the 120 soldiers from the First Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment.

While deployed in Afghanistan, the men led Operation Tor Shezada - the military effort to remove insurgents from the dangerous Helmand province.

Lieutenant Colonel Frazer Lawrence commanded the operation, leading men from across Cumbria, Lancashire and the North West across the desert region, to successfully take the town of Sayedabad back from Taliban fighters.

They patrolled through fields and waist-high irrigation ditches to reach the outskirts of the town before moving in to clear compounds.

Soldiers discovered explosive components and other bomb-making equipment, held by the Taliban.

Once a foothold was achieved, two joint units of British and Afghan soldiers moved forward to clear the town on the west and east sides from the south.

Nine soldiers from the regiment have died during the fighting: Jason Dunn-Bridgeman, Simon Hornby, Sean Dawson, Taniela Rogoiruwai, Ponipate Tagitaginimoce, Jordan Dean Bancroft, Andrew Griffiths, Darren Deady and Peter Rayner.

The regiment’s Deputy Col Peter Rafferty said their latest operation had been an arduous task for the North West soldiers, whose ages range from 18 to their late forties.

He added: “We’ve experienced low level conflict but we’ve endured it all.

"It has been an operation where we’ve tried to support the local population and improve the day-to-day lives of the people in Afghanistan.

“Soldiers have come back with a range of emotions - they are happy to be back with loved ones but will be reflecting on the loss of friends and comrades and the sacrifices they made for the nation.”

Click on the link below for our photo galleries from the Lancaster and Blackburn parades.