When they left in March for one of the most dangerous war zones in the world, they were each presented with a small, hand-carved cross - a symbol of love and a piece of home.

Eight months on and grateful not to have lost one single comrade from their regiment, they are eager to return to friends and families.

The first 70 Light Dragoons from Swanton Morley, near Dereham, have already returned from Afghanistan. Another 100 soldiers of the regiment's B Squadron are expected to fly home in the next two weeks.

And now, dignitaries in mid-Norfolk are preparing a welcome home worthy of true soldiers.

Breckland Council chief executive Trevor Holden, himself a former RAF wing commander, and chairman Peter Francis have extended an invitation to the 170 servicemen and women to go on parade in Dereham on Monday, November 19.

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