HUNDREDS of troops who returned to the region after a sixmonth tour of Afghanistan have received a heroes’ welcome at parades held in their honour.

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

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

In a speech to his troops, Brig Felton paid tribute to their hard work and said: “I am immensely proud of what you have achieved in Afghanistan. It would be impossible for me to discharge my command responsibilities unless things are working – the success of the operations are down to you.”

Speaking after the parade, he said: “The event has been amazing.

I would like to thank the mayor and the people of Richmond, not just on behalf of my soldiers, but also for the families who made their way here today.”

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

In Sunderland, hundreds of soldiers from 4 Regiment Royal Artillery, based at Alanbrooke Barracks, Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, 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.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Paul Watson said: “The close bond between 4 Regiment and the people of Sunderland goes back many years and I know how proud everyone in this city is of the Gunners.

“It’s always an honour to welcome the 4 Regiment to Sunderland and everyone is very proud to see the Gunners mark their Freedom of the City with this parade.”

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 performed a number of roles in Afghanistan and also led the training for 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.