On behalf of RAF Leeming, and in particular 10 Field Squadron (Royal Engineers), I write to express heartfelt thanks to the mayor, council and townspeople of Northallerton for the warm and generous welcome they extended to squadron members for their homecoming parade through the town on March 25.

The parade was an extremely poignant one for the squadron, which returned home on March 22 following an arduous six-month commitment in Helmand province in Afghanistan.

During their deployment squadron personnel built security checkpoints, rebuilt bridges and helped to clear routes between villages.

Their efforts have increased security for the local population and allowed them to re-establish vital inter-village trade links. All personnel on parade were deeply touched and overwhelmed by the warm welcome, cheers and waves that greeted them as they marched through Northallerton.

I would like to thank Coun Tony Hall and his colleagues at Northallerton Town Council for offering to host the homecoming parade and for the tremendous effort they made to ensure its success. Thank you also to the people of Northallerton and surrounding area.

The response from the local community – of which we see ourselves as part – was above and beyond anything expected.

Their continued and generous support to RAF Leeming, particularly to those units and personnel who regularly deploy to trouble spots around the world, is very much appreciated.

10 Field Squadron personnel are now enjoying well-deserved leave with their families. They do so in the knowledge that they are fully supported by their local community, and that their difficult and dangerous role will be remembered whenever they are called again to serve on operations.

Group Captain Bill Gibson, Station commander, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire.