BICESTER honoured its troops yesterday as 300 soldiers returning from Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia were treated to a homecoming parade.

Members of the 23 Pioneer Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corps, based at St David's Barracks, at Ambrosden, attended a service at St Edburg's Church, then marched through Market Square before a celebration in a marquee at Pingle Field.

The soldiers and their families chattted with fellow guests while the children they had been reunited with waved Union flags and played on fairground rides.

Corporal John Kitchen, who returned from a six-month tour of Afghanistan, said: "It's quite hard to be away from your family for so long, but particularly for the ones left at home, because they don't know what's going on.

"I was very impressed with the turnout at the parade. The cheering and the clapping made us all feel very proud."

Captain Craig Smith, who was away from his family for three months, said being separated from loved ones was difficult for all involved.

He said: "It means a lot because when you are away sometimes you do not really realise that everyone appreciates you back home in the UK.

"When you are away you have minimal contact with friends and family and they go through a lot back here as well.

"There are a lot of unknowns back here so it is nice when you come back in one piece safe and sound."

Lance Corporal Lea White had been away from wife Charlee for a year, after two six-month tours of duty in the Falkland Islands and Afghanistan.

He said: "I wasn't expecting this many people to turn out, so it's exciting. You see on the news other regiments get it done, but I think it's the first time for us - we're all enjoying it."

Mrs White said: "It's nice to have him back. It's hard when he's away."

Debbie Pickford, the leader of Bicester Town Council, said: "It's quite emotional for the town and for the forces.

"They have worked extremely hard in places that perhaps none of us realise.

"Their families are here and they have been lonely and I think it has been a very worthwhile event."

Councillor Les Sibley said: "As a town we really wanted to show our appreciation for what the troops were actually doing in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places of conflict.

"I think it has been a terrific day and it's nice that the residents of Bicester have turned out in huge numbers to show their appreciation for the work that the armed forces are doing on their behalf."

On Saturday the troops were presented with operation medals during a parade at their barracks.

Private Matt Ford was honoured as the outstanding Private Pioneer Soldier of 2007 and received the Royal Pioneer Corps Association Friend Memorial Trophy.

Lieutenant Gregg McLeod was given the 104 Logistic Support Brigade Commander's Trophy for an outstanding contribution to operations.

General David Shouesmith, the Assistant Chief of Defence Staff, said of Lt McLeod: "He consistently set the highest of standards, remaining focused on his operational role."

In December, hundreds of people lined the streets of Abingdon to celebrate soldiers returning from Iraq.

The 400 soldiers, based at Dalton Barracks, marched into the town's Market Place before mayor Lorraine Oate presented campaign medals to the troops.