LARGE crowds showed their appreciation today as a homecoming parade was held for gunners who have just returned from a six-month tour in Afghanistan.

LARGE crowds of people showed their appreciation today as a homecoming parade was held for gunners who have just returned from a six-month tour in Afghanistan.

The gunners from 27 Squadron RAF Regiment, based at RAF Honington, marched through Bury St Edmunds.

For the past half a year they have been stationed at the NATO airbase in Kandahar, protecting military colleagues from explosive devices, small arms fire and rockets.

During the parade the gunners were accompanied by a full marching band from the RAF Central Band of the Royal Air Force.