Welsh Cavalry welcomed home in Swansea

Soldiers from the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards marched through Swansea today.

The regiment - also known as the Welsh Cavalry - has returned from Helmand Province after a seven month tour in Afghanistan. The troops were awarded the freedom of Swansea in 2009.

The Commanding Officer invited The Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan and the Lord Mayor of Swansea to inspect the troops on the Guildhall rotunda. The parade then made its way along St Helen's Road, Dillwyn Street and Oxford Street for a salute at Castle Square.

Several of the troops are from the local area and this is a marvellous opportunity for family, friends and the general public to show how much we appreciate them.

In recent weeks, there have been fears that the regiment could be abolished as part of the UK Government's Defence Review.

Shadow Welsh Secretary Owen Smith wrote to Prime Minister David Cameron last week, urging him to take steps to stop this from happening.

The Army is currently considering re-design options as the Army reduces to 82,000. No decisions have been taken. The regimental system is fundamental to the fighting power of the British Army today and we are not going to change it.