Returning troops of Colerne’s 21st Signal Regiment marched through Bath on Tuesday, as the village prepared for its own Armed Forces Day tribute.

More than 200 soldiers paraded to mark their safe return from Afghanistan, after a seven-month tour, delivering communications to the frontline.

After a service at Bath Abbey led by regiment padre Judith Harries, they marched to the Guildhall, where they were met for the ceremonial salute by Sarah Troughton, Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, and Bath Mayor Cherry Beath.

The parade was led by Lieutenant Colonel Adam Corkery. He said: “The reception we’ve had has been really uplifting. The joy on the soldiers’ faces this morning said it all.”

“The personnel from 21st Signal Regiment have spent seven-and-a-half months out in Afghanistan but it has been very rewarding and we have achieved so much.”

Following the parade the regiment returned to Colerne for a medal ceremony, before being dismissed on leave.

Their next engagement will be on Saturday, as they march through the village to mark Armed Forces Day, along with local Scouts, Guides and Royal British Legion representatives. They will lead from the Market Place at 12.30pm to Colerne Primary School, ahead of its annual summer fete.

Kathryn Houldcroft, from the school’s fundraising body FRESCO, said: “Over half the pupils are from armed forces families, and events like this really make the forces feel part of the village.”

The fete will include military displays, a children’s assault course and cart race.

The Armed Forces celebration is next Saturday, at the town fete at the Springfield Recreation ground, and will feature a Spitfire flypast.