SOLDIERS marched through Brentwood at the weekend to mark their return from Afghanistan.

Flags waved as troops from the C' (Essex) Company First Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment marched from London Road up through the High Street to the town hall in Ingrave Road on Saturday.

Roads were closed off as hundreds of people lined the High Street to cheer the troops, who had featured in the television programme Ross Kemp in Afghanistan whilst on tour in the country.

Mayor Frank Kenny and Brigadier Tony Calder of the Royal Anglian Regiment carried out an inspection of the soldiers on arrival, before they went inside to the council chamber for the presentation and exchange of gifts.

Jean McGinley, deputy leader, said: "It is our local battalion and they deserve all the thanks and praise that they get. It is the first time this has happened in Brentwood."

Nine soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment died during battle, and 54 were wounded. Service is not yet over for the troops, who may be called into action again next summer.

The Royal Anglian Regiment has historic connections with Brentwood with the Essex Regiment having been based at the former Warley barracks, and was given the freedom of the borough in 1993.

However, Saturday's event was the first time they have exercised their right to march through the town.