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The 450 soldiers, who have just returned from a seven-month tour of Afghanistan, put in a special request for a homecoming march through Congleton after the magnificent support the town gave them during their tour. Turn to the centre pages for a picture special. (“Chronicle” photo. 4601c/10).

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Town goes Mercian-madThecommanderoftheFirstBattalionMercian Regiment which marched through Congleton has called the rapturous reception his men received as “absolutely phenomenal”.

the regiment the freedom of the borough at a ceremony in front of the town hall.

The day was bittersweet for the soldiers as 12 of their comrades had had been killed in action. Those same men had marched through the town in an equally spectacular parade in June last year.

Town centre streets were packed yesterday (Wednesday) to welcome home the Cheshire-based regiment, and cheer as 450 soldiers were handed their service medals.

The regiment has marched in towns throughout Cheshire since returning from Afghanistan last month, but had chosen Congleton to host the medal ceremony as a way of showing appreciation for the constant support from the town.

After the march, Cheshire East Mayor Gordon Baxendale handed

The commander, Lt Colonel Andy Hadfield, complimented the town on the turnout, telling the “Chronicle”: “Some of the troops told me they didn’t know this many people lived in Congleton!

“The town has earned a special place in the heart of the regiment for their fantastic support over the past seven months.

“We knew we would get a good reception, but I wasn’t expecting anything as good as this. It is a huge morale boost.

“This was our way of saying thank you for what everyone in the town has done but it seemed like the town wanted to thank us too.”

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