THE Archbishop of York paid tribute to the soldiers of 4th Mechanized Brigade who packed into the Minster for a thanksgiving and remembrance service.

Dr John Sentamu read the blessing at a service today attended by hundreds of army personnel who have just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The Minister bell, Great Peter rang out nine times saluting each of the members of the battalion killed in action since September - Cpt James Townley, Corp David O’Connor, Corp Channing Day, Lt Edward Drummond-Baxter, Lance Corp Siddhanta Kunwar, Capt Walter Barrie, Sapper Richard Walker, Kingsman David Shaw and Lance Corp Jamie Webb.

Speaking on the Minster steps after the service, Dr Sentamu, who led the troops in three cheers to the Queen, said: “These occasions are always moving, but I have said it before and I will say it again - as far as I’m concerned the British armed forces are the best in the world.”

Brigadier Bob Bruce, the commander of 4th Mechanized Brigade said: “The service gave us chance to honour those who died during our tour and celebrate the achievements of our taskforce and to do it in a place as magnificent as York Minster means a great deal to us.”

Also attending the service was the Armed Forces Minister, Andrew Robathan.

The 4th Mechanized Brigade has its headquarters in Catterick Garrison and their troops worked alongside other nations in Afghanistan in changing the way in which security is provided in Helmand.

While away they worked alongside the Afghan National Security Forces played a supporting role so that the Afghan people can now see that they are protected by their own security forces ahead of the eventual withdrawal of international forces.

Lance Corp Anthony Priestley, 24, from Sherburn-In-Elmet was one of the brigade mentoring Afghan Police He said: “It was hard at first getting to know the Afghan police, but we built up a good relationship. They were really professional and good at their job. I am pleased to be back home, because the hardest bit about being away was missing family and friends, including my mum Amanda Parker and dad, Adrian Priestley.”

The Brigade has now returned home to its base in Catterick Garrison and following some leave will return to normal duties.