BAD weather has put paid to today’s Homecoming Parade in Carlisle for soldiers back from active service in Afghanistan.

Following a stirring welcome previous days in Lancaster, Blackburn, Manchester and Warrington, the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment were due another rousing reception as their homecoming parade marched its way through the streets of the Cumbrian city.

However, adverse conditions have forced the cancellation of the parade.

Captain Christian Wragg said the soldiers were disappointed that the parade could not go ahead.

He added: “It meant a lot to the soldiers to be able to march through Carlisle to say thank you for the support they had had while in Afghanistan."