AS PREPARATIONS are stepped up for the parade by Duke of Lancaster's Regiment soldiers through the streets of Blackburn, firms are being urged to play their part.

Shops and businesses have been encouraged to let their staff welcome home our soldiers from Afghanistan.

Many will be closing for an hour to allow as many people as possible to get to the route through Blackburn town centre.

Some 120 soldiers from the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment will complete a parade on Wednesday after a service at Blackburn Cathedral.

They will then be welcomed with a civic reception at King George's Hall.

Phil Ainsworth, who runs Ainsworth Jewellers in Darwen Street, said it would be a fantastic opportunity to show off the town and support for the local troops.

And Mr Ainsworth, of the Blackburn Town Centre Partnership, called for other businesses to make sure workers are allowed to show their support.

Mr Ainsworth said: “We should be celebrating the hard work and sacrifice that they have shown. The whole town will undoubtedly get behind this fantastic parade and it will be great to see a town full of people cheering them along the streets.”

Rose Fowler, from Mercer's toy shop in Darwen Street, said: “It will be fantastic to watch all of the lads march through. This is our busiest time of the year but we will have no hesitation in closing the shop during the parade.”

Hairdresser Jeff Stone, who is based in Fleming Square, said: “The shop will be shut because this is such a rare opportunity for us to welcome the soldiers home.

“The amount of support in the town for the regiment is superb and I think it is a great opportunity for the businesses to show how grateful they are for the efforts of the lads."

Blackburn businesswoman Margo Grimshaw said: “I will be there and I think everyone should be to show their appreciation.”

Gordon Birtwistle, Burnley MP, encouraged people from across East Lancashire to travel to the town to take part in the 'historic' event.

The soldiers involved are those from across East Lancashire, not just Blackburn.

He said: “These soldiers represent people from across the county so we should all show our support.”

The cathedral service begins at 12pm and will be followed by a parade from 12.45pm.