HUNDREDS of troops who returned to the region after gruelling six-month tours of Afghanistan have received a heroes' welcome at parades held in their honour.

In Richmond, North Yorkshire, troops from the 4th Mechanized (CORR) Brigade headquarters and 204 Signals Squadron, marked their tour of duty at Richmond Castle, North Yorkshire, yesterday (FRI) before marching through the town to huge applause from local people.

The 200 men and women were presented with their operational medals by Brigadier Richard Felton, commander of the 4th Mechanized Brigade, and the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Barry Heap.

In a separate event held in Sunderland, hundreds of soldiers from 4 Regiment Royal Artillery, based at Alanbrooke Barracks, Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, also marched through the city centre.

The regiment was deployed to Task Force Helmand under the command of 4th Mechanized Brigade, on Operation Herrick 12.

During the tour the Gunners, who recruit predominantly in the North-East, lost two soldiers - Gunner Zak Cusack and Bombadier Stephen Gilbert.

In total, more than 6,000 soldiers have been deployed in eight battalions as part of 4th Mechanized Brigade, making up the bulk of the 9,500 British troops who fought in Afghanistan this year.

The battalions have performed a number of roles around the country and were tasked with training the new Afghan army.

The brigade lost more than 50 soldiers during the tour and many troops are not due back in the UK until the end of next month.

The troops are now on leave for four weeks, after which they will return to their bases for training.