Members of 121 ( Nuneaton ) Squadron helped line the streets of Nuneaton to welcome back local soldiers who have returned home after completing their third tour of duty in Iraq.

The Squadron and their banner carried by Cdt FS Sasha Dowdall joined hundreds of flag waving onlookers and members of the ex-service community who turned out in celebration of the safe return of the 1 st Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

The troops marched through the town centre where the returning heroes and their Regimental Colours received the salute of the people of Nuneaton marked by the dipping of the Ex-Service Association and Cadet Force Standards which lined the route.

Major Paul Morris who was in charge of 130 of the soldiers in Basra, many of whom live locally in Warwickshire said, “We were in Southern Iraq for seven incredibly hot months but it's fantastic to be back and be appreciated in this way. The boys are enjoying every minute of it, we're surprised at the number of people that have come out to see us and it's a privilege to be welcomed home in this manner."

After the parade WO Jim Taylor of 121 Squadron joined other ex-service veterans at the towns War Memorial for a television interview to discuss the days events, which was broadcast live on the Central ITV Evening News.

View more photographs in 121 Squadrons
1 st Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Gallery