WORCESTER people are being reminded to turn out in their thousands to give our local regiment a heroes’ welcome on their return from Afghanistan.

More than 400 soldiers from The 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) will march through the city on Thursday after a service at Worcester Cathedral. Candles will be lit for the five soldiers who have been killed in action during the recent six-month tour of duty.

Private Jason Williams, of Worcester, was killed in Afghanistan on August 8 this year after stepping on a roadside bomb while trying to retrieve the body of an Afghan army soldier who had been killed in an earlier attack.

The other soldiers from the regiment who were killed are Private Robbie Laws, of Bromsgrove; Lance Corporal Kieron Hill, of Nottingham; Private Gavin Elliott, of Worksop, and Sergeant Michael Lockett MC, of Monifieth, Angus.

A Facebook group has now been set up to urge people to show their support at the parade. To become a member, visit facebook.com/worces ternews.

The Mayor of Worcester Councillor Andy Roberts is calling upon the city’s residents to turn out in force to welcome the troops home.

He said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to welcome the soldiers back on their return from Afghanistan.

“I am sure that the citizens of Worcester, the Faithful City, and the county will line the streets to cheer our battalion.”

After the 11am service at the cathedral the regiment will march in their desert combat uniform from College Green at noon and parade through the city centre.

They will be accompanied by members of the Worces-ters and Foresters Associat-ion who are former soldiers from the regiment.

The lord lieutenant, the mayor and the deputy colonel of the regiment will take the salute as the regiment pass the Guildhall.Afterwards, the mayor will host a special civic reception at the Guildhall for local soldiers, their families and civic guests.

A Union flag with the logo Give Troops A Heroes’ Welcome will be printed in your Worcester News on Wednesday.