FIVE hundred soldiers who have recently returned from Afghanistan will march through York to a service at the Minster tomorrow.

The Duke of York will attend the Thanksgiving service which takes place following the parade of the soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (3 YORKS), from Tower Street to Duncombe Place for an inspection and salute in front of guests, families and onlookers.

The soldiers have returned from a six-month tour of duty on Operation HERRICK 16, providing support to 12 Mechanized Brigade in Helmand Province. Sadly, ten of their number were killed on operations and their families have been invited to the parade and service.

The parade, led by the band of the King’s Division, begins at 12.40 pm from Tower Street, passing along Coney Street to arrive in Duncombe Place at 1pm.