Two hundred troops returned from the frontline in Afghanistan to a rapturous welcome in the Black Country.

Family, friends and well-wishers waving Union Jacks stood five-deep on pavements to clap and cheer as the soldiers from 3rd Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, previously the Staffords, marched through Wolverhampton city centre.

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Crowds then packed St Peter’s Square in front of the Civic Centre to see a handful of the infantrymen receive their campaign medals from West Midland Lord Lieutenant, Paul Sabapathy, and Wolverhampton mayor Councillor Bert Turner.

Councillor Turner, who took the salute at the march-past in Lichfield Street, said afterwards: “The people of this city did 3 Mercian proud. It was great to hear the way they started to cheer as soon as the soldiers came into view.”

Retired college caretaker Anthony Baker, aged 67, of Northwood Park Road, Bushbury, and his wife Pauline were in the crowd.

He said: “They put their lives on the line in Afghanistan and the least the British public can do is give them a proper welcome home.”

Pte Andrew Bromley, 25, whose parents who live in Wednesfield were in the crowd with his 20-year-old sister Laura, said after being presented with his medal: “It was great to receive it in my home city. It is marvellous to be back.”

Meanwhile, the parents of Pte Gareth Bellingham, aged 22, of Stoke-on-Trent, who was killed on June 18 while serving with 3 Mercian, were presented with the Elizabeth Cross by Prince Charles yesterday.