Thousands of people lined a Kent town's streets today to welcome home troops from Afghanistan.

Maidstone's 36 Engineer Regiment marched through the town today with cheers, applause and shouts of "welcome home" ringing in their ears.

Some of the 320 soldiers were so moved by the turnout, they had tears in their eyes as Maidstone mayor, Cllr Richard Ash, took the salute outside the town hall.

Pupils from nearby schools, shoppers and people working in the town all stopped what they were doing to show their support for the regiment, who returned from Helmand Province last Friday, after six months away.

A service at All Saints' Church followed.

Cpl Ivano "Sean" Violino and L Cpl Jake Alderton both lost their lives during the deployment. Maj Gen Keith Sima said the day's events offered a time for reflection partly to remember the two soldiers who did not return with their comrades.

Maj Gen Sima said: "They were good men, and good soldiers who I know will never be forgotten."

~ See pictures of the Operational Service medal ceremony >>>