Townspeople and visitors cheer soldiers' return

Dignitaries, including the Duchess of Northumberland and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer, were also in attendance, with the former top goal scorer acting in his official capacity as Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland.

The Fusiliers, who recruit heavily from the North East, recently returned from a gruelling six-month tour in Helmand province during which seven of their number were killed.

But yesterday, the hardships of war seemed far away as the cheerful soldiers were given a rousing welcome by local residents and people who had travelled from around the region to attend.

Retired carer Jerry Nelson, 64, a member of the Morpeth Lions, said: "It makes me feel very proud of this and to show my appreciation for these lads who have made hard sacrifices for us.

"I think, for a safer world, we have to have troops in Afghanistan and what they are doing is not just for our safety, but the safety of the entire world.

"But I feel terribly sorry for the families who have lost loved ones. They need to know they have public support."

Peggy Lewins, 79, of Ashington, said: "We do feel for them, we really do. It's a chilly day, but even if it had been pouring we would've come out to see them.

"I appreciate everything they have done, but I just wish it was a war that was over and the soldiers could be back here safe for good."

In Morpeth, the Fusiliers set off from the town's Station Road, completing a circuit around Dacre Street, Bridge Street and Newgate Street.

Ashington saw the soldiers parading through Woodhorn Road and on through the town's pedestrianised shopping street, Station Road.

Afterwards, the soldiers said they were very grateful for everybody's support.

Colour Sergeant Steven Flett, from Long Benton, North Tyneside, said: "It means a lot to me. I'm standing here with the hairs standing up on the back of my neck.

"It's absolutely fantastic. All over the country, the reception we've had everywhere since we got back has been fantastic.

"All my friends live here and it's been nice to see people as I'm walking past."

Fusilier Lawrie Stevenson, 22, of Alnwick, said: "The welcome has been amazing, really, really nice. It just good to come home and know that people care about what we have to do."

As well as the seven soldiers killed in action, more than a dozen suffered serious injuries while supporting Afghan forces with security patrols and operations against the Taliban. But morale remains high in the regiment, which has been praised for the progress it has made.

Among their achievements, it was revealed earlier this year how the Fusiliers' Corporal Dan Henderson, 25, of Ryton, Gateshead, foiled a Taliban roadside bomb primed to explode under a passing supply convoy.

Cpl Henderson's platoon commander Lieutenant Jamie Piper said: "It was a great job, very professionally done. He's a credit to the regiment."

Onlooker Shirley Adamson, 73, who travelled to Ashington from Lynemouth for yesterday's parade, said: "What these boys have done for us is remarkable and I want to show my support.

"You could cry when you see that same image, time and time again, of a coffin covered in a Union Jack being carried off a plane."

Today, the Fusiliers will hold a third homecoming parade through Newcastle city centre, setting off from the Civic Centre at 11.40am.

View a gallery of pictures from the homecoming parade »