IT is great news that soldiers returning from Afghanistan are to march through the streets of Blackburn.

The 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment is nearing the end of a six-month tour of duty that started in April.

As an infantry battalion, 1Lancs has been right on the frontline in Afghanistan.

The army has been mounting a big push to seize strongholds from the Taliban, and our soldiers have been responsible for patrolling recently secured areas.

During this time, three soldiers have been killed, including 25-year-old Lance Corporal Jordan Bancroft from Earby.

Many more have been injured.

There are 600 personnel in the 1Lancs and around 120 are from East Lancashire.

They are going to get a massive welcome from their family and friends.

But on December 1, the homecoming service at Blackburn Cathedral followed by a parade through town gives the wider communities a chance to say thank you.

Whatever political views we may hold are about the war, they are nothing to do with the soldiers who follow their orders.

On this dangerous tour of duty soldiers from our communities have been risking their lives in our name.

The least East Lancashire can do is line the streets and show its appreciation.