“COME out and show your support for our boys!”

That is the rallying call from Abingdon mayor Patricia Hobby, who wants as many people as possible to line the streets for the homecoming parade on Wednesday.

More than 300 brave servicemen and women from 3 and 4 Logistic Support Regiments (LSR) based at Dalton Barracks have been putting their lives on the line fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan – and this will be a chance for local people to praise the efforts of troops.

They will be exercising the right of the Freedom of the Borough that has been bestowed on the units and will be carrying fixed bayonets and flying their regimental colours.

It is hoped the route will be lined by townsfolk waving flags and cheering the soldiers who have spent much of the last year on tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Two years ago, a national newspaper accused Abingdon of snubbing troops due to an apparent lack of support for a parade.

That year, however, the troops from 4LSR had not wanted a large turnout because they still had 500 soldiers in Iraq and it also coincided with a comrade’s funeral.

Mrs Hobby said: “The parade gives the people of Abingdon a chance to show their appreciation of the work the troops have been doing to help make our country more secure.

“We are also thinking about those who have died in this conflict and hope their families eventually find some peace in the sacrifice their relatives have made.”

The regiment has been involved in a series of convoys in Afghanistan, which carried equipment to other British soldiers.

It has also been training the Afghan army and was involved in Operation Panther's Claw, which paved the way for the Afghan election earlier this year.

Staff Sgt Claire Griffiths, 33, of 3 Logistic Support Regiment at Dalton Barracks, made theheadlines over the summer as the first British woman to drive combat vehicles in Afghanistan.

The parade will begin at Abingdon Fire Station, Ock Street.

At the Market Place, the troops will stand in formation as speeches and medal presentations are made by the director of the Royal Logistic Corps, Brigadier Murray CBE, Mrs Hobby, and the chairman of Vale of White Horse District Council, Alison Rooke.

The troops will return to County Hall, where the civic party will take the salute. They will then make their way down West St Helen's Street. Following the formalities of the parade the troops will be dismissed in order to meet up with their families and attend a service of thanksgiving in St Helen’s Church.

Lance Corporal Justin Stanley, of 4 LSR, said: “It means a lot to all squaddies when you see people out at the parade showing their support.

“It lets us know when we are out on tour that they are backing us. We would be very grateful to anyone who comes along on Wednesday.”

Cllr Rooke said: “We are delighted that we will have the opportunity to show our thanks and appreciation to the troops from Dalton Barracks, who serve our country with such honour. They are all very much valued members of the Vale community.”

The parade is being organised by Dalton Barracks, Abingdon Town Council and Vale of White Horse District Council.

The timings are as follows: * 10.30am: Parade begins at Abingdon Fire Station * 10.40am: Parade reaches Abingdon Market Place * 10.45am: Speeches and presentations in Market Place * 11am: Troops step off to East St Helen Street * 11.10am: Salute at County Hall * 11.25am: Arrive at St Helen’s Church.