HUNDREDS of Scarborough people lined the streets to give a heroes welcome to soldiers who served in war-torn Afghanistan. More than 200 members of the 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment – including soldiers from Scarborough – took part in a freedom parade around the town.
Crowds of people greeted the soldiers with waves of applause, cheers and union jack flags.
TO VIEW OUR GALLERY OF THE PARADE CLICK HEREThe regiment has have taken part in a series of parades in different towns to mark its return to the UK following a tour of Afghanistan.
Soldiers started the parade from William Street car park and moved into Castle Road, then Aberdeen Walk into Westborough, before turning into Huntriss Row and then towards St Nicholas Street.
They passed the Town Hall, where Scarborough mayor Cllr Eileen Vickers was waiting on the steps and there was a salute.
The soldiers then turned into Newborough, on to Eastborough and the Foreshore before finishing at the Spa. At the Spa there was a military ceremony with speeches and an inspection by the mayor.
The regiment was presented with the freedom of the borough and they then gave a decanter as a gesture of appreciation. Cllr Vickers said: "The parade was absolutely fantastic and the soldiers were great.
You've got to be proud of the lads." Cllr TomFox, leader of Scarborough Council, said: "The turnout and response from the public has been brilliant.
It really does reflect the respect we have for our armed forces." Several Scarborough soldiers were delighted with the reception.
Corporal David Arlott, 26, said: "I found it really heart-warming. I was amazed there was that many people out."
Private Darryl Lamb, 23, added: "I was really proud of my town and the parade was really enjoyable."
They also praised the Heroes Welcome scheme, in which local firms give discounts to members of the armed forces – set up by the South Bay Traders' Association and backed by the Evening News.
Corporal Onur Caglar, 24, said: "Heroes Welcome is good – in America they have schemes like this where they get money off. Places are starting to do it more which is good." John Senior, co-ordinator of the scheme and chairman of the South Bay Traders' Association, added: "Scarborough has really turned out for these guys today and I'm delighted.
It has been a fantastic show of support for them."
TO VIEW OUR GALLERY OF THE PARADE CLICK HERE