MARCHING with pride, the soldiers known as the Lions of England celebrated a historic return home on Saturday.

Soldiers from the North West were among the 2nd battalion of The Duke of Lancaster regiment, which formally took control of Weeton Barracks just outside Blackpool.

The regiment has not had regular soldiers based in the region since its formation in 2006.

On Saturday celebrations marking the fifth anniversary of the regiment’s formation were held with about 160 soldiers taking part in the parade before raising the Regimental Colours to mark the unit’s official arrival.

The 2nd Battalion returned to the North West from a three-year tour based in Cyprus.

It supported operations in Afghanistan as the Army’s theatre reserve battalion.

The homecoming celebration parade in Weeton was attended by families, old comrade associations, cadets, Territorial Army and Regular Army Soldiers.

Fallen soldiers were also remembered on the day.