West Country Afghanistan

A Royal Marine convicted of murder for killing an injured Taliban fighter in Afghanistan will have his appeal heard by the High Court later today.

Sergeant Al Blackman from Taunton was found guilty by a court martial and given a life sentence with a minimum of 10 years.

Thousands of people lined the streets of Taunton today, as 700 Royal Marines marched through the town to officially mark the end of their time in Afghanistan.

The Marines from 40 Commando were the very first to be deployed to the country twelve years ago.

This year, after four tours of duty, they're among the last to return.

Bob Cruwys reports:

Thousands of people lined the streets of Taunton today, as 700 Royal Marines marched through the town to officially mark the end of their time in Afghanistan.

The Marines from 40 Commando were the very first to be deployed to the country twelve years ago.

This year, after four tours of duty, they're among the last to return.

As 40 Commando's final homecoming from Afghanistan brings to an end 12 years of involvement in the troubled country - there'll be mixed feelings about what happened during those years.

Defence Correspondent John Andrews reports on what they achieved in that time and the price they paid:

Sixteen families lost loved ones serving with 40 Commando in Afghanistan. But the unit was by no means the only one to be affected by the conflict.

Families from across our region lost sons, brothers and fathers, who were serving in military units based across the South West.

Ahead of today's parade our Somerset Correspondent David Woodland spoke to Judy Gaden, the mother of Corporal Tom Gaden, who was killed in Afghanistan four years ago:

The Duke of Edinburgh will be presenting medals to the Royal Marines at a private ceremony at Norton Manor Camp.

Our Somerset correspondent David Woodland is there:

Thousands of people have turned out in Taunton to welcome home the Royal Marines of 40 Commando from Afghanistan.

700 Marines paraded through the town's streets which were lined with huge crowds.

The troops were among the very first deployed to the country nearly 12 years ago. Now, after four tours they are among the last to return.

Bob Cruwys reports: