TWO years ago the people of Worcester did the city proud as they turned out in their thousands to welcome our soldiers home from Afghanistan.

Next week we hope the city’s streets will again be thronged as troops from our local regiment, the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), stage their homecoming parade.

In 2007 the parade was tinged with sadness for the nine Mercians who lost their lives in Afghanistan.

Next Thursday’s service and parade will be no different as tributes will be paid to the five members of the regiment killed during the Mercians most recent tour of duty.

This homecoming is a tribute not only to the fallen but also to every one of the people, many of them local, who have spent six months engaged in deadly combat with the Taliban.

Two years ago this newspaper campaigned for a proper welcome home for the Mercians. We got it then and we are sure the people of this city will provide it again next week.

It does not matter whether you support the British presence in Afghanistan.

Next Thursday will be about saying thank you to those who have served their country well.

The Mercians will march through the city centre from noon next Thursday.

We would urge our readers to spare a few minutes to stand and applaud our boys.

It is the very least they deserve – and we know public support is hugely important to them.