More than 300 troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan marched through the streets of Winchester to the sound of drums, cheers and heartfelt applause today in an emotional homecoming parade, one of the first such events since the start of the 2003 war.

Thousands of people turned out to welcome the service personnel – from all three branches of the Armed Forces – as they paraded through the historic Hampshire town accompanied by brass bands and fluttering flags. Two Chinook helicopters from nearby RAF Odiham saluted the troops with a flypast.

After marching up the medieval High Street, the men and women were treated to a reception in their honour hosted by the county council, where they were presented with a glass tankard and bottle of local beer each and ceremonial scrolls for each unit.

Attending the march were troops from the Rifles and the King’s Royal Hussars, the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, the frigate HMS Richmond, RAF Odiham and the 4 General Support (Medical) Regiment.

Some of the regiments have long associations with Winchester or are Hampshire-based with many stationed at the home of the British Army in Aldershot. There are more service personnel and their families stationed in Hampshire than in Scotland, according to the county council.

The parade is the latest in a series of high profile events since local authorities were criticised by senior military figures for not doing enough to recognise forces who have completed perilous operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Unlike in the United States, where returning service personnel are regularly treated to heroes' welcomes, public anger at Britain's involvement in the conflicts - particularly Iraq - has discouraged many councils from publicly honouring troops.

The dearth of such events led General Sir Richard Dannatt, the head of the Army, to complain in September that the life-endangering work carried out by troops was not being properly appreciated.

The Government too has drawn fire for allegedly mistreating returning personnel, with the Royal British Legion in September launching a campaign calling on ministers to mend the "broken military covenant."

But today, Bob Ainsworth, the Armed Forces minister, urged the public to demonstrate their gratitude, saying: “Our armed forces really are man for man, woman for woman, the best in the world.

“We should do our utmost to show how proud we are of them, to acknowledge their bravery and the sacrifices which they and their families make on our behalf.”

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