Flag wavers and cheering schoolchildren were among the crowds who turned out to welcome Prince Charles in North Yorkshire.

He was presenting medals to members of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps following their recent tour of Afghanistan, and took the salute as they marched through the centre of Boroughbridge yesterday.

Hundreds of people turned out to welcome the soldiers and their royal visitor who told service families, in a speech in the Market Square: “As the father of two serving officers I know only too well how difficult it can be when your loved ones are away for so long and in harm’s way.

“Your moral support for them all is absolutely crucial to the success of this fine regiment and I know that the soldiers here would be the first to say how grateful they are to you and the support of this town and many of its residents.”

Prince Charles, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, also recalled his experiences flying helicopters in the Fleet Air Arm.

He said: “As a result, I do at least have some idea of the considerable effort it takes to ensure that aircraft and crew are fully prepared for any operational task.”

The Prince said: “The level of Taliban activity is varied from year to year and from season to season.

“But there’s one continuing feature throughout this battle for the hearts and minds of the people of Helmand – and that is yourselves and the rest of the corps who have been on constant operations in Afghanistan for the last five years.”

After taking the salute, which was accompanied by a fly-past by three Lynx helicopters from the regiment’s base at the nearby Dishforth Airfield, Prince Charles met local well-wishers on a walkabout in the main street.