Shropshire gives a hero's welcome to the soldiers of the Royal Irish Regiment 12.04.11

For the last six months The Royal Irish Regiment have been patrolling in the Nad-e Ali South Region of Helmand Province but now they are home and have been given a hero's welcome in the Shropshire towns of Market Drayton and Shrewsbury. Thousands lined the route as the soldiers made their way to St Mary's church for a service of thanksgiving. The Battalion lost three soldiers during the tour and among those in the congregation were the widow of LCpl Stephen Mckee and local MP and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Owen Patterson. A reception followed at the Market Drayton Branch of the Royal British Legion giving the soldiers a chance to mingle with local people and reflect on the day. Lt Col Colin Weir the Commanding Officer of 1 Royal Irish said: "It is a real honour...really tremendous." Next up for the troops is some well-deserved Post Operational Tour Leave before preparing for a series of Freedom Parades in Northern Ireland in May.