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Homegrown hero: Pte Nathan Caraban, of 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment, signs Brandon Preece's autograph book.

PROUD soldiers who just months ago were exchanging bullets with the Taliban in Afghanistan have received a rousing Wyre Forest welcome.

Cheering crowds waved on soldiers of the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) as they marched through Kidderminster, today.

The troops, many from the district, were joined by members of the Royal British Legion Kidderminster and district branch and the Mercian Regimental Association.

Marching proudly in files of three, the soldiers were greeted warmly by the crowds with many shouting well done' and welcome home'.

Shoppers and supporters both old and young waved miniature Union Jacks, hooted, clapped and cheered as the troops made their way to the civic space, in the shadow of Slingfield Mill.

There, before the Kidderminster Charter Trustees and hundreds of townspeople, the more than 60 men of C Company came to attention to receive the freedom of Kidderminster on behalf of the Mercian Regiment.

Mayor Mike Shellie then formally honoured the unit, formed in September last year, with permission to march freely through Kidderminster with bayonets fixed and colours flying.

He praised the regiment's fighting men and women, pointing out its losses during last year's tour of Afghanistan.

The battalion lost nine comrades battling a determined Taliban force in tough conditions, receiving a brace of decorations for bravery in the face of the enemy on returning home.

Lt Col Simon Banton, battalion commanding officer, then paid tribute to onlookers for turning out in force and helping to renew the "ancient ties" shared by the regiment and Wyre Forest.

Mr Shellie led three cheers for the soldiers and the troops then followed suit before marching off across Husum Bridge, to spontaneous cheers and applause.

Following the parade there was a sit-down buffet for all the marchers, the soldiers' families and civic leaders in the town hall's Corn Exchange, Vicar Street.

Cpl Stewart Littleton, 25, of Broadwaters, who served in Afghanistan, said he was "proud" to be in his home town.

Pte James Humphries, 19, of Marlpool, who also fought the Taliban described the experience as "great."

Mike Shellie, who asked the regiment to Kidderminster in September, said: "It has been a wonderful, successful day and what was even more heartening was the sheer number of people who came out to cheer.

"It has given us civic pride, pride in the town and pride in our regiment."

Lt Col Banton explained it was the last of several freedom marches in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Worcestershire before the regiment embarks for Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The unit, which has just finished guarding the Queen at Buckingham Palace, will now be training hard and is due to return to Afghanistan next year.

To see the video click here

2:32pm Saturday 15th March 2008

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