Hundreds of people lined the streets of Pontypridd this weekend to give an unforgettable welcome home to heroes from the Royal Welsh.

First, they filled the beautiful Ynysangharad Park for a civic ceremony during which the Royal Welsh, who have just returned from a tour of Afghanistan, received Conferment of the Freedom of the Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Colours of the 2nd Battalion and the Regimental Band gathered at the bandstand created a parade that was led by Brigadier Russell Wardle OBE and inspected by Cllr Robert Smith, Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf.

After the ceremony, Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau was played by the band in the shadow of the statue commemorating Evan and James James, the Pontypridd-born composers of the Welsh National Anthem.

The troops then began their parade through the town centre, where the streets were filled with people of all ages, waving flags and cheering the Royal Welsh.

The parade, led by Taffy the Royal Welsh goat and supported by the Army Cadets and representatives of the Royal British Legion.

Supporters, including local businesses, cheered and clapped as the  Royal Welsh paraded back.

The guests of honour were then invited back to the Mayor’s parlour in the Municipal Buildings for a reception.

Council Leader Cllr Russell Roberts and Deputy Leader Cllr Anthony Christopher, as well as the Mayors of neighbouring authorities were among the guests at the event.

Mayor Cllr Robert Smith said: “The ceremony and Conferment of the Freedom of the Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf to the Royal Welsh has been one of the highlights of my year in office.

“The turn-out in Pontypridd was incredible and I know the Royal Welsh, currently on a homecoming tour following their tour of duty in Afghanistan, were overwhelmed and moved by the support they were shown in our county town.

“The sun shone down as we enjoyed the ceremony and then welcomed the troops back. It was a wonderful day and I am so grateful to the many people who worked so hard to make it such a success.

“Dignitaries from across the region attended the day and we were all in agreement that the VIPs of the day were the Royal Welsh.”