THERE was a simple and understated welcome home for more than 400 soldiers from 4 Logistic Support Regiment today as they marched through Abingdon, accompanied by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

The soldiers were part of the biggest ever deployment of troops from Dalton Barracks. More than 1,000 soldiers from 4 LSR and 3 LSR, still serving in Iraq, left the barracks earlier this year for six-month tours of duty.

While in Afghanistan, 4 LSR operated in support of 12 Mechanised Brigade, delivering supplies, including food, fuel and ammunition, to combat units.

People lined the streets to watch the march. Among those watching the parade were pensioners Sid and Joan Horne, from Springfield Drive. Mrs Horne, 76, lost her 20-year-old brother in the Second World War.

She said: "We're proud to be here to give thanks to these young men and women."

The service at St Helen's was conducted by the regiment's padre, the Rev John Durant, who said: "We pray for those who continue to serve, all the victims and casualties and to remember whose who gave up their lives."