THOUSANDS of people crowded the streets of Winchester to welcome home heroes today (Dec 3).

Around 300 soldiers from the King’s Royal Hussars, Hampshire’s cavalry regiment, marched down Winchester High Street to rapturous applause from locals.

It truly was a royal welcome as HRH Prince Michael of Kent, the Queen’s cousin and Regimental Senior Colonel, saluted the troops alongside the Mayor of Winchester, Frank Pearson.

The soldiers returned from a successful six-month operation in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, with many thrilled to be back.

Corp Terry Rymer, 31, who grew up in Locks Heath, Fareham, said: “For me the main feeling today is a massive sense of pride and relief that we are back home safe. It’s a great feeling to march through Winchester and see so much support from the public."

Trooper Robert Winchester, 22, of Horton Heath, Eastleigh, said: “I’m very excited to be here and I have lots of family and friends here today to support me. I was sent care packages from friends and family when I was over there and from complete strangers too, so this support means so much to me.”