We KNEW the people of Abingdon wouldn't disappoint us.

They turned out in their hundreds to welcome home troops from Dalton Barracks after their gruelling six-month tour of duty in Iraq.

When the first batch of soldiers to return marched through the town in October, some national newspapers mischievously published pictures of the almost empty streets and suggested that Abingdon people were apathetic towards the military.

The Oxford Mail pointed out the truth.

The parade was always intended to be low key because most of the Dalton Barracks' contingent were still serving in Iraq, and the funeral of one of their number was being held the same day.

But yesterday, townspeople had their chance to show their appreciation and gathered en masse to display their true feelings.

Many throughout the country have questioned the wisdom of our armed services being involved in war in Iraq and Afghanistan, but those are political decisions.

There is no doubt that the servicemen and women have done, and are doing, a marvellous job in bringing stablity to two troubled countries.

We salute them, and wish those who have returned a happy and peaceful Christmas with their families. They deserve it.

The genuinely disabled will suffer from the decision to withdraw concessions at the New Theatre, Oxford. But we hardly blame the management.

Disabled people paid, but were entitled to take a carer with them free of charge.

But the management's generosity has been thrown back in its face by people faking disability to get in without paying.

Shame on them all.