There was a buzz of pride in Marlborough this morning as thousands of people lined the High Street to welcome members of the 4 Military Intelligence Battalion back from Afghanistan.

A huge cheered swelled as almost 200 soldiers marched from Marlborough College to the High Street led by The Band of the Grenadier Guards.
There was then a restrained hush as the Chief of Defence, Sir Nicholas Houghton, presented medals to the 80 soldiers of 45 Company who recently returned from Afghanistan there was a from the crowd.

He said: “Today is about two things, it’s about celebrating the service and the safe homecoming of the 4MI Battalion who have most recently been serving in Afghanistan but today to me and to the Battalion and it’s also a celebration of the special bond of friendship which exists between Marlborough and the army as a whole.”

Among those on parade was 99-year-old reited Lt Col Harry Beckough of Marlborough. He was introduced to some of the troops.

Families of the 45 company watched on proudly as their loved ones received their honours.

Emma Turner, from Shrewsbury, saw her 20-year-old son Ben was given his corporal's stripe.

She said: “This was his first tour and today he received his corporal stripe which is quite an achievement after one year in so it’s a particularly proud day, it’s his first medal and his corporal stripe and here we are in sunny Marlborough, it’s a beautiful day, it’s perfect.”

Youngsters from St Peter’s school particularly enjoyed the music from The Band of the Grenadier Guards, which included the Star Wars theme tune, and excitedly waved their Union Jacks as the parade made its way down the High Street and back to the College.

The cloud cover was too low for the fly past by a Chinook helicopter which was planned for 11am but there was an appearance in Marlborough of the Battalion’s a greyhound mascot called Blue.

Major Jim Holl, operating commander of 45 Company, said: "Days like today are hugely important.

"A large number of my soldiers are quite junior and a lot of them passed their training at the back end of last year so essentially their view of the army has been pre deployment training and operational deployment and sometimes it's quite isolated and it's easy to forget the support we do have back home."

Captain Kelly Wood, Officer commanding 431 Military Intelligence section, added: "Some of the primary school children here today have got family members who are serving so it’s nice to have them and their parents here to support us.

"At the end some of the children of the soldiers that were deployed getting medals as well because we don't want them to feel like they're forgotten."

"It's been really important today having the Chief of Defence Staff handing out the medals today. That's something that doesn't happen every day and I'm sure it's something the soldiers will remember for a long time."

St Peter’s School pupil Rosie said: “I thought it was very exciting, my favourite part was the music.”

Classmate Adam added “Five of the soldiers came to school to talk to us and I think it’s excellent that the go over to Afghanistan to build houses and schools.”

Philip Scott, of Edwards Meadow, said: “We’ve come to show our support for the troops, the atmosphere is fantastic.”

Jenny Scott added: “The children are very excited.”

Kira Faulks, of Rabley Wood View, said: “I’ve bought my two children along because I think it’s important that we support our forces. I’m not sure they understand what’s going on but they’re finding it very exciting.Days like this are great for the community as well as showing the soldiers that we're thankful for what they do for us.”

READ ANNA MAUREMOOTOO'S LIVE BLOG OF THE PARADE HERE

SEE OUR PARADE PICTURE GALLERY HERE