PROUD soldiers marched through Bewdley to a warm welcome from the townspeople who greeted them with heartfelt cheers and applause.

Hundreds of people lined the town’s streets to welcome the 200 troops from the Second Battalion The Mercian Regiment yesterday.

The unit, who have seen frontline action in Afghanistan, marched along Dowles Road, Welch Gate, Load Street and Severnside South, where Bewdley Mayor, Derek Killingworth, took the salute.

Mr Killingworth hailed the parade a success and said about 300 people turned out, including 100 pupils from Bewdley Primary School.

“The day went Brilliantly,” he added, “I was so pleased at how many Bewdley people turned out for these young soldiers who are so willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for people. It was wonderful.

“It was fantastic that the school children came and waved their flags. The soldiers were really pleased to see the youngsters.

“The atmosphere was wonderful. When the soldiers were marching through the town the crowd were clapping and cheering.

“It was really one of the nicest days I have had in Bewdley and It’s all down to the attitude of the people of the town.”

After the march, the soldiers presented Mr Killingworth with a picture for the town, called A Storming of a Objective Fan, which showed one of their battles.

Mr Killingworth returned the gesture and presented the soldiers with a David Robert’s painting of the Bewdley Bridge.

“The picture, which people can see in the Guildhall, shows some of the soldiers who marched through the town,” said Mr Killingworth.

“It’s very real that these men and women put their lives on the line. It made me very proud to welcome them into the town.”

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