WORCESTER people are urged to turn out in their thousands to give our local regiment a heroes’ welcome on their return from Afghanistan.

More than 400 soldiers from The 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) will march through the city next Thursday after a service at Worcester Cathedral. Candles will be lit for the five soldiers who have been killed in action during the recent six-month tour of duty.

Private Jason Williams, from Worcester, was killed in Afghanistan on August 8 this year after stepping on a roadside bomb while trying to retrieve the body of an Afghan army soldier who had been killed in an earlier attack.

The other soldiers from the regiment who were killed are Private Robbie Laws, from Bromsgrove, Lance Corporal Kieron Hill from Nottingham, Private Gavin Elliott from Worksop and Sergeant Michael Lockett MC from Monifieth, Angus.

Major Bob Prophet of the Mercian Regiment, said despite the devastating losses they have been successful in helping the Afghan people take one step closer to independence.

Maj Prophet said: “The Battalion has now completed its third tour in Afghanistan in six years. This recent tour has been particularly tough but very successful although they mourn the five soldiers who died.

“Their main role was to train and mentor the Afghan National Army and they have left Afghanistan that much closer to self-governance."

Worcester’s Mayor, Councillor Andy Roberts is calling upon the city’s residents to turn out in force to welcome the troops home.

He said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to welcome the soldiers back on their return from Afghanistan. I am sure that the citizens of Worcester, the faithful city, and the county will line the streets to cheer our battalion.”

After the 11am cathedral service the regiment will march in their desert combat uniform from College Green at noon and parade through the city centre. They will be accompanied by the band, the regimental mascot and members of the Royal British Legion.

The Lord Lieutenant, the Mayor and the Deputy Colonel of the regiment will take the salute as the regiment pass the Guildhall.

Afterwards, the Mayor will host a special civic reception at the Guildhall for local soldiers, their families and civic guests.

Jeff King, county chairman of the Worcestershire Royal British Legion, said: “Seeing the local people turn out in force on the streets must be massively important for the soldiers. They need that encouragement to carry on doing the valuable work they are doing.

“Lining the streets to applaud them is just one way in which the public can show their support.”

*A Union flag under the logo Give Troops A Heroes' Welcome will be printed in your Worcester News next Wednesday.