THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Liverpool to welcome home soldiers from the Afghan war zone with huge cheers.

Well-wishers looked on for an hour as soldiers from the 2nd Battalion the Rifles stood at ease meeting civic and Army officials outside Liverpool’s historic St George’s Hall.

The soldiers, all wearing their deserts combats, then paraded through the city.

Before they set off they marched into formation and proud onlookers clapped and sang You’ll Never Walk Alone.

A wreath was laid at the nearby war memorial in memory of the 24 soldiers from the Rifles’ extended Battle Group who were killed in action during the six month tour in Helmand province – though none were from Merseyside.

The parade on Saturday, which culminated outside the Town Hall, was watched by thousands of supporters, many waving Union Jack flags and shouting messages of support.

Rifleman Warren Richardson, 24, from Huyton, was shot in the leg in Sangin during his tour.

He could not march but followed behind on crutches.

The Everton fan, who lost 90% of the nerves in his left leg, was pulled to safety under fire by his friend Rifleman Nathan Hau, 19, of Childwall. Rfl Hau walked next to his comrade at the rear.