Brave soldiers to parade through Ashington

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Posted by The Journal on Nov 19, 09 10:28 AM in News

Brave soldiers returning from a harrowing tour of duty in Afghanistan are to be given a hero's welcome next month by people in two Northumberland towns.

More than 200 men and women from the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers will march through the centres of Ashington and Morpeth on Tuesday, December 8 to celebrate their return from a six-month operation in Helmand Province.

The homecoming parades have been organised by Northumberland County Council to give local people the chance to show their appreciation and support for the battalion, which recruits heavily in the North East.

During its recent time in Afghanistan the battalion tragically lost seven men and more than a dozen others suffered serious injuries, while supporting Afghan forces with security patrols and operations against the Taliban.

At 11.30am on December 8 soldiers will march through Ashington, starting at Woodhorn Road and parading through the pedestrianised area of Station Road. They will then move to Morpeth for a parade starting at about 1.30pm in Manchester Street.

It will take in Dacre Street, Bridge Street - where civic leaders will be assembled - and Newgate Street.

County council chairman, David Woodard, who will be greeting the soldiers, said: "I am sure the local community will turn out in force to welcome the battalion back home, and to pay their respects to the soldiers who have served their country and selflessly put themselves at risk to protect others.''

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