The miserable weather did nothing to dampen the atmosphere as members of Maidstone's 36 Engineer Regiment lined up to receive Operational Service Medals.

The 300-plus servicemen and women marched into a parade square in front of proud loved ones to receive the award from Maj Gen Keith Sima.

The military band provided all the pomp and circumstance expected of such an occasion, and even treated the crowd to a quick Elton John medley.

As the soldiers marched off the ground the clapping started, rising to a rapturous applause as the last men smartly paraded off.

The regiment left England for Helmand Province last September. Part of their mission was to help rebuild the country's fragile infrastructure and use their expertise to assist the Afghan government as it tries to bring stability to the land.

Maj Gen Sima said: "I know that in terms of stabilisation projects you helped make Afghanistan a better place for her people."

~ See pictures of the march through the town centre >>>