FAMILIES, friends and supporters turned out to Lancaster yesterday to support the Duke of Lancaster Regiment during a homecoming parade.

Among them was Kendal's Kingsman Thomas Eland.

Tom, of Vicarage Drive, joined the Duke of Lancaster Regiment when he was just 19.

He was shipped out to Afghanistan’s notoriously dangerous Helmand Province with the 1st Battalion just one month after finishing his basic training.

“It was very difficult being over there,” he said.

“Everything about it is different, their ground and desert and buildings so it took some getting used to.

"There were local people that loved you and would do anything for you and people who made it very difficult, so it was hard.”

The 21-year-old spent six months in the Afghan Province where the Battalion were fighting to gain control of a Taliban occupied area.

The Regiment lost three men during the tour.

“It wasn’t nice at all because we’re a big family and they were great lads,” said Tom.

“But we were all out there fighting for the country so we’ve done ourselves proud,” he said.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the army and I love fighting for my country.

"Everyone has got each other's back and we’re like best mates who look out for each other.”

The Regiment is now on leave over the Christmas period and Tom plans to spend the festive season with his two-year-old daughter Bethany.

“It’s good being home and seeing my daughter,” he said.

“It’s great to be back and be with all my family. When we got back I had a big celebration with all mates in Kendal.”

Tom’s mother Hilary Paisley, said she was ‘incredibly proud’ of her son.

“He’s done such a good job out there,” she said. “I am so proud of him it is unbelievable.

“He rang once a week but when they went out on operations it might be weeks before I heard anything so it was very worrying.

"I would watch the news every night to see if there was anything about them.

"I was very nervous for him but really proud as well.

“It’s amazing to have him back and we can have a lovely family Christmas together now.”

Click on the links below for our report on the homecoming parade and photo gallery.