THANK you Worcester. The people of the city responded in magnificent style to our campaign to give our troops a heroes’ welcome.

The men of 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) looked genuinely moved as thousands of Worcester folk clapped and cheered them through the centre of the city yesterday.

The High Street ground to a halt as crowds lined the route of the Mercians’ homecoming parade. Many more paid tribute to our boys from shop and office windows.

It was a day of pride for Worcester. Pride in the bravery, fortitude and sacrifice of our soldiers. And pride in the wonderful reception their home city gave them on their return from an arduous tour of duty in Afghanistan.

One of the city’s own, Private Jason Williams, was among five Mercians who lost their lives in Helmand Province.

Yesterday was as much about remembering him and his four fallen colleagues as it was about providing a warm welcome for those coming back safe from war.

This newspaper and, to be fair, the local BBC radio station have done much in recent days to raise awareness of yesterday’s parade.

Encouraging our readers and listeners to turn out in force was the least we in the media could do.

Worcester owed a debt of respect to its brave young soldiers after their ordeal in the heat and dust of Afghanistan.

Yesterday that debt was paid in full.