Homecoming parade for Black Country soldiers

Soldiers from across the Black Country and Staffordshire will take part in a series of homecoming parades to mark the end of their tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The 3rd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (The Staffords) will make a triumphant return to the region, marked by several "freedom" marches to be held in town and cities next month.

Troops who have been fighting the Taliban will take part in their first march through Stafford on November 27.

The following day they will march through Lichfield, then Wolverhampton on November 30 and Walsall on December 1.

Commanders today said the UK owed the soldiers a "huge debt of gratitude" for what they had done.