Maidenhead & Windsor

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is to welcome home more than 500 Windsor soldiers who have been serving in Afghanistan at a special parade to be held next week.

Troops from the 1st Battalion the Coldstream Guards, based at Victoria Barracks, will take part in a welcome home parade through the town on Saturday April 26.

Mayor of the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough, Cllr Leo Walters – who first called for a parade to welcome home soldiers serving in Afghanistan last autumn - will take the salute at the Guildhall as men and women from the Coldstream Guards march past from their barracks in Victoria Street.

The parade was given the official seal of approval in December following a unanimous vote by councillors.

The Mayor will be joined at the Guildhall by General Sir Michael Rose, Colonel of the regiment, as well as councillors, past mayors and freemen of the borough as the parade passes at about 11.30am.

Following the parade senior officers from the regiment will join the Mayor and councillors for a civic reception in the Guildhall.

Led by the band of the Coldstream Guards, the parade will leave the barracks from the Sergeant's Mess Gate in Victoria Street at 11.15am and follow a route along Victoria Street, Charles Street, Goswell Road, Barry Avenue, River Street, Thames Street and High Street, returning through the front gates of the barracks in Sheet Street.

The parade will take place after the usual guard change to minimise disruption to the town.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Walters said this week: "I am naturally very proud that the council's desire to honour our brave troops is coming to fruition in such a fitting and memorable way.

"I am also very honoured to be taking the salute together with General Sir Michael Rose to welcome back these troops who have been serving in Afghanistan. The Army plays a very large part in the community of the garrison town of Windsor and I am delighted that we are able to recognise the commitment and dedication of these young men and women who serve our country so proudly.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the families of all our troops who provide such strong support during the regiment's tours of duty. The welcome home parade will undoubtedly be a very moving experience for them – and will give them a lasting memory of the esteem in which they are held."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead