THE ‘homecoming’ might not have actually been in their home but for the soldiers of Bicester-based 23 Pioneer Regiment yesterday it was good enough.

For the first time in its 50-year-history, the regiment, many of whose members have just returned from service in Afghanistan and Cyprus, marched through Oxford, because of the town centre redevelopment work in Bicester.

The 450 men and women were greeted by applause from family, friends and members of the public, who waved Union Flags as the Royal Logistic Corps unit marched from Park Road to Broad Street, for a parade.

Among the troops was Private Tom Purcell, 19, who returned from his first tour of duty in Afghanistan last Tuesday.

He said: “It was overwhelming. I’m just so glad to be back, to see my mum and the missus. There was a fantastic atmosphere, it makes you feel proud to be part of this.”

Staff Sergeant Wayne Roberts, who has also returning from the main British base in Afghanistan, Camp Bastion, near Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand Province, said: “This is so important. When you’re out there, you know you’ve got friends and family supporting you.

“But to see all the people of Oxford coming out to applaud you is something else.

“It’s especially great for the younger lads who have been on their first tour.

It’s important for them to see people supporting them.”

A number of the troops marched wearing the blue berets they had sported on United Nations peacekeeping duty in Cyprus, along with others who had remained in the UK to support operations overseas.

Cheering the troops were Helen Gibbon, from Littlemore, and her three-year-old grand-daughter Saskia Keogh. They waved as Mrs Gibbon’s daughter, Corporal Claire Keogh, marched past.

Cpl Keogh has been based in the UK until now but is due to go to Afghanistan next year.

Mrs Gibbon said: “I’m so proud, so proud. They all feel like my family, so I’m especially proud.

“It’s funny, I’m not scared for Claire at the moment but it’ll probably hit me like a brick wall soon.

“She can’t bear to be away from Saskia for a night, so I think six months will be tough.”

Others lining Broad Street simply came to show their support for the work that the troops do.

Pensioners Roy and Janet Shayler had travelled in from Headington to see the parade.

Mrs Shayler said: “We make sure we go to every repatriation in Headley Way. So it’s nice to see something like this, celebration rather than mourning.”

Soldiers returning from Afghanistan all received their Operation Herrick campaign medals, before the regiment was inspected by Vice Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, John Harwood, Oxford’s Deputy Lord Mayor Alan Armitage and Bicester’s mayor Rose Stratford.

Addressing the troops, Mr Harwood said: “We want to express our appreciation for the bravery, dedication and commitment to the security of the United Kingdom.

“To all of you here today, welcome home.”