THE mother of a soldier who died in Afghanistan was among thousands of people who lined Ripley's streets to welcome home troops from the war-torn country.

Judith Wright said she was impressed by the numbers who turned out to see 250 members of the 2nd Battalion Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) march through the town yesterday.

Mrs Wright lost her 21-year-old son, Drummer Thomas Wright, in June 2007 while he was serving in Afghanistan.

A Land Rover he was in triggered a roadside bomb.

She said her son would have been proud to see how many people had come to watch the regiment, which has recently returned from its third tour in Afghanistan and was celebrating being given the freedom of Amber Valley.

Mrs Wright, of Ash Crescent, Ripley, said: "They need as much support as they can get. They are putting their lives on the line and we need to show them how much we appreciate it."

Her brother, Thomas Holden, 53, of Waingroves, said it was important the troops came to Ripley because so many were recruited from the town.

He said: "Its about time they came here. We've had so many people in the forces and people want to welcome them home."

Ex-Grenadier Guard Jim Heaslip, 74, was among the well-wishers lining the route which ran down Church Street to Ripley Leisure Centre.

Mr Heaslip, of Northam Drive, Ripley, said it was important to give the troops a morale boost.

He said: "There has been negative press about Afghanistan but people should support our troops, whether they agree with the war or not."

The regiment has already marched in Long Eaton and Ilkeston and will be in Ashbourne on Thursday and Matlock on Friday.

The battalion's Lieutenant Colonel Colin Marks said: "I'm delighted by the turnout. It's a terrific morale boost for the lads and it shows how much people appreciate their efforts."

Mayor of Amber Valley Peter Makin said people in the area should be proud of the troops.