Rallying cry over Mercian's parades

Civic leaders today issued a rallying cry to people across Staffordshire and the Black Country to come out in force and show support for their soldiers as they mark the end of a tour of duty.

Troops from the 3rd Battalion the Mercian Regiment return to the region this weekend for the first in a series of homecoming parades.

Stafford is the first venue on Sunday for one of several "freedom" marches to be held in towns and cities, following the regiment's latest period of service fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan. Events in Lichfield on Monday, Wolverhampton on Wednesday and Walsall on Thursday will follow.

At the forefront of the returning soldiers' minds will be Private Gareth Bellingham. The 22-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent was the sole fatality the Battalion suffered during the tour. He was killed in action in Helmand Province on June 18.

Staffordshire County Council leader Mike Heenan urged people to turn out in force, with the troops due to pass through Market Square in Stafford at 12pm on Sunday.

"We are delighted to welcome the soldiers back home and they have been doing a very difficult and dangerous job out in Afghanistan," he said.

"I hope as many people as possible from our community will turn out to show our support for our brave troops. Market Square is our traditional place for welcoming back our soldiers and I look forward to doing so again."

Councillor Heenan added: "We also recognise the sacrifices that have been made and, in particular, the loss of one of their men. We really do appreciate all they do."

Steve and Janet James will be among the parents watching as their son Lance Corporal Ashley James takes part in the Stafford ceremony. The 21-year-old, survived a roadside bomb blast on his inaugural tour.