Hundreds of troops were given the Royal seal of approval after returning home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The Princess Royal was at Dalton Barracks yesterdayTues to present medals to Abingdon-based troops.

About 350 members of 4 Logistic Support Regiment returned last month from a gruelling six-month tour of duty battling the Taliban.

Princess Anne, in her capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Logistic Corps, visited the barracks to pay her tribute to the soldiers.

She arrived by helicopter to be greeted by the regiment's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Darrell Amison, before presenting medals. She later mingled with families who had come from all parts of the country for the presentation.

Lt Col Amison said: "The visit of the Princess Royal is a recognition of the achievements in Afghanistan and a thank-you to the families who have had to endure much during the absence of their loved ones."

The family of 21-year-old Lance Corporal Tom Barber, from Kelmscott, near Faringdon, was there to see him receive his medal.

His father, Francis, said: "It is a very proud moment to watch your son receive a campaign medal.

"He is been in the Army for four years and loves it. He's followed in the footsteps of his grandfather."

Tom's mother, Fiona, said: "Naturally, we have been worried but you learn to live with it. Tom has kept in touch with us by phone and email so that helps a lot."