CHEERING crowds lined the streets of York to welcome 300 of the city’s soldiers home following their latest tour of Afghanistan.

Supporters of the 2nd Signal Regiment said they would not be put off by the threat of terrorism, in a show of defiance two days after a British soldier was brutally murdered in London.

The troops, whose number included members of 246 Gurkha Signal Squadron, set off from Duncombe Place yesterday lunchtime to parade through York, accompanied by the Royal Corps of Signals Band, where they received applause and cheers from the public.

Onlooker Peter Amour, 62, said: “I think this is exactly what is needed when you consider what they face on a day-to-day basis.

“I was very aware of the risk of a terrorist threat at an event like this, but I was determined to support the troops.”

Marion Knight, visiting York from South Africa, was moved to tears by the show of support for the troops. She said: “We know how these boys suffer and we are appreciative of all they do.

“This is absolutely what’s needed – not just today but every day – to let them know they are appreciated.”

The Fulford-based Regiment returned from Afghanistan last month, where they were working at locations in Helmand Province and Kabul, providing telecommunications, IT and secure communications to Afghan troops, as well as carrying out guard duties.

Only days before they deployed, 30 soldiers from 2nd Signal Regiment filled and laid thousands of sandbags to keep flood waters at bay in Peckitt Street, supporting emergency services.

The regiment was awarded the Freedom of York following their service to the city and its people during the severe flooding in 2000.

Among those on parade yesterday was 21-year-old Lance Corporal Amy Malinson, back from her first tour of Afghanistan.

“It was tough,” she said. “It’s great to be back. We have been away for a long time but it’s what we joined the army for.”

Gurkha Lance Corporal Kabin Shahi, 26, said: “The weather out there is very hot at the moment so this is certainly a change. I am really looking forward to the march. The best thing is the support from the public for the work we do. We get overwhelming support in York.

Signaller Ben Hardcastle, 26, who is from York, said it was “good to be home” and was looking forward to time off.

He said: “I will be chilling out for the next six weeks and seeing my friends and family before we go off to Europe.