Hundreds of people waving flags lined the streets of Abingdon to celebrate soldiers returning from Iraq.

The 400 troops, based at the town's Dalton Barracks, won a big cheer as they marched into the Market Square today.

Officers and soldiers from the 3 Logistic Support Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corps began their parade at the town's fire station, in Ock Street.

Abingdon's mayor Lorraine Oates presented medals to the troops as scores of people looked on.

Following the presentation, the soldiers marched back along High Street and into West St Helen Street to St Helen's Church for a service of thanksgiving to mark their safe return.

Mrs Oates was joined by the chairman of the Vale of White Horse District Council, Julie Mayhew-Archer, and town, district and county councillors and Freemen of Abingdon.

Among those in the crowd were Sue Jennings, from Milton Heights, near Didcot, and her 18-month-old daughter Caja.

She said: "We heard on the radio that the soldiers were coming home and I think it's important to be proud of our soldiers and what they have done, whether you agree with them being out there or not.

"I wanted my daughter to feel that pride too, so that's why we're here.

"It's lovely to see so many younger children. I think that makes you quite proud. Caja waved to all the soldiers as they went past."

Also watching the parade was Barbara Izzard, from Grove, whose son Bob died aged 43, after being injured on an Army exercise in Germany.

The 67-year-old said: "My son used to be in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. He died two years ago, so we're here in his honour.

"It's vitally important that they know we support them and I thought it was a wonderful turnout. I thought the soldiers were extremely smart and very well organised."

And a group of pupils from Our Lady's Convent Junior School took a break from lessons to watch the parade.

Teacher Kate De Vos said: "There are two reasons why we have come along today. First is we wanted to come along and cheer the troops on. And secondly, two of our members of staff are Army wives.

"It was lovely to see so many people in Abingdon cheering the troops on and welcoming them home - hopefully making them feel a bit special.

"I think it's really important, especially for the youngsters in our country, to realise the sacrifice our soldiers and families make, especially when they go away for such a long time."

Pupil Owen Hallett, 10, said: "I think it's really important to understand about the sacrifices they make for our country so it's really important to remember what they do."

Last month, the Princess Royal presented medals to soldiers from Dalton Barracks who had returned from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan. The regiment was granted the Freedom of Abingdon two years ago.