The homecoming parade was a joyous and emotional time for the 700-800 family members who gathered on Angel Hill and hundreds of members of the public, who packed the streets of the town centre.

The squadron, which had been in Kandahar, Afghanistan, since July, returned to the UK on Tuesday evening, but the parade was their official welcome home from the town nearest their RAF Honington base - and marked the start of their leave, when they will get a proper chance to catch up with loved ones, family and friends.

The airmen marched through the abbey gate to rapturous applause from the waiting crowds, up Abbeygate Street, through the arc shopping centre and back to Angel Hill, where they took the salute in front of the tourist information centre.

At every turn they were treated to cheers and waving union flags by those who turned out on the bright but misty morning for the event.

Following the parade, the squadron returned to the Abbey Gardens, where they stood in formation before cheering, waving their hats and finally getting a chance to greet properly all those who had come to see them.


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