HUNDREDS of well-wishers gathered in Duncombe Place yesterday to welcome York’s soldiers back from Afghanistan.

Troops from 2 Signal Regiment of Imphal Barracks, including the Queens Gurkha Signals, were awarded service medals after all 300 soldiers returned safely from their deployment in Afghanistan, where they were stationed in Kabul, Kandahar and Helmand Province.

Soldiers led the civic procession from the Guildhall into Duncombe Place, which was lined with relatives and people waving flags, balloons and hand-made banners.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Sue Galloway, said she was delighted to welcome back “what we feel has become our very own 2 Signal Regiment from active duty in Afghanistan”.

“We can only imagine what the last six months have been like for them all and their families waiting back here in York.”

She praised their charitable efforts in Afghanistan, where they also raised money and completed building projects, such as a water treatment works.

She said: “They have also raised tens of thousands of pounds for charities while deployed on active duty.”

Coun Galloway said the regiment, which was awarded the Freedom of the City of York for its help during the floods in 2000, had become part of the city’s fabric.

Lt Col Andy Knott, commanding officer of the regiment, thanked the Lord Mayor and public for their welcome.

He said: “It’s a great honour for 2 Signal Regiment to parade here today and to march in the city that’s our home.

“It’s wonderful to breathe the clean air of North Yorkshire once again.”

He told his regiment before the medal presentation: “You may look back with considerable pride on your achievements and the difference you have made in this campaign.”

The troops paraded through the city led by the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals.

Brian Dale, of Pocklington, stopped to watch as his grandson is joining the army next month. He said: “I’m prepared to stand here all day for these lads.

“It’s not just a nice thing to do, it’s part of being English. You support the lads.”

Another spectator, Robert Simpson, of Huntington, said: “It’s simply marvellous to get them back.”

Alison Rizza, from Inverness, whose son Sergeant Barry Rizza is in 2 Signal Regiment, said: “It’s just a very proud day.”