MAKE our local regiment proud by giving them a heroes’ welcome as they march through Worcester city centre tomorrow.

A Union flag can be found on the centre pages of today’s paper which readers can use to show their support for soldiers from the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) who have returned from Afghanistan.

The parade through the city centre follows an 11am cathedral service where 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 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, Scotland.

After the cathedral service more than 400 soldiers from the regiment will congregate in College Green at noon.

The troops will march in their desert combat uniform down Edgar Street, then up College Street, past the cathedral and down High Street.

They will be accompanied by members of the Worcesters and Foresters Association who are former soldiers from the regiment.

The lord lieutenant of Worcestershire, the mayor of Worcester, and the deputy colonel of the regiment will take the salute as the regiment passes the Guildhall.

The troops will then carry on to Broad Street, where they will halt and be dismissed.

Afterwards, the mayor, Councillor Andy Roberts, will host a civic reception at the Guildhall for local soldiers, their families and guests.

The Chairman of Worcestershire County Council will be among those welcoming the soldiers home.

Councillor John Cairns, said: “We are proud to welcome home the brave soldiers from Worcestershire who have been fighting in dangerous and difficult environments.

“But the homecoming celebration will be tinged with great sadness as we remember those five valiant soldiers who lost their lives in the recent conflict and we spare a thought for those families whose loved ones haven’t returned.

“On behalf of Worcestershire County Council and the residents of the county we deeply appreciate the sacrifice of all those serving in conflicts abroad and wish those soldiers returning to Worcestershire a very warm welcome home.”

• Download and print your flag here.
• Find a map of the march route here.