THE proposal to organise a homecoming parade through Burnley for members of the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment is very welcome.

Members of the 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (2 LANCS) have served with distinction in Afghanistan over the past 15 months.

As the Theatre Reserve Battalion, they have had to deploy quickly in a variety of very difficult circumstances in the war-torn country.

Sadly, six of the battalion’s soldiers were killed and 24 injured over six of the deployments.

The brave men and women from this regiment deserve to have proper recognition for the dangerous work they undertake on a day-to-day basis.

And the public should have a chance to say thank you for their efforts.

Already, homecoming parades have been held successfully in Blackburn and Clitheroe for their colleagues in the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

Civic leaders have said they will do ‘whatever they can’ to make it happen.

Let us hope that the planning can get under way quickly and a date is set soon.