The Duke of York welcomed troops as they marched to the Minster for a service following their recent return from Afghanistan.

The soldiers of 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington’s) paraded through the city this afternoon to be met by cheering friends and family, including those of the 10 soldiers who did not return.

The crowds endured freezing winds in Duncombe Place to show their respect.

The soldiers have returned from a six-month tour of duty on Operation HERRICK 16, providing support to 12 Mechanized Brigade in Helmand Province. Ten of their soldiers were killed on operations.

Tony Poole, 69, from Malton, said: “It’s quite a wonderful experience and it’s an honour for us to be here and make our feelings fully known for the soldiers and what they have done, and the ones who aren’t here.

“Despite standing in the cold for the last 40 minutes it’s still worth it.”

Carolyn Levitt, 55, who travelled from Huddersfield to greet her brother-in-law Mark, said she felt “very proud.”

As well as a reading from Prince Andrew, who is colonel-in-chief of the Yorkshire Regiment, the service also featured a blessing from The Archbishop of York, Doctor John Sentamu, and a sermon from the battalion’s chaplain, Rev John Duncan.

He said: “There is a deep pain when our brothers in arms are taken from us, and our thoughts and prayers are certainly with the family of those who died and who know that pain only too well.

“And each member of 3rd Yorkshire knows the pain of a fallen brother in arms.”

He went on to emphasise the efforts and losses of the regiment during its time in the Middle East.

He said: “Soldiers over the years have offered the same and the soldiers of 3rd Yorkshire have given their blood, toil, tears and sweat on the field in Afghanistan.”

The battalion, which arrived back in the UK last month, can now look forward to five weeks of leave.

York Press: Soldiers back from the war parade through York
The Duke  shares a joke with the Dean of the Minster, the Very Rev Vivienne Faull and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu

York Press: Soldiers back from the war parade through York
Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, parade through York

York Press: Soldiers back from the war parade through York
Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, parade through York

York Press: Soldiers back from the war parade through York
Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, parade through York

York Press: Soldiers back from the war parade through York
Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, parade through York

York Press: Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, parade through York
Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, parade through York