The Echo ‘gets behind our boys’

This was the message to shop owners from the Royal British Legion which is calling for all Southampton shops on the parade route to put up a Daily Echo campaign poster and make sure Hampshire troops get the heroes’ homecoming they deserve.

The charity’s Southampton branch secretary Archie Parsons threw his weight behind the Daily Echo’s Salute the Tigers appeal calling it “fantastic.”

He said: “This is an amazing idea and I really hope every shop puts up a poster.

“It will not only help promote the event but I imagine the soldiers will be very proud when they see the way local businesses have got behind them – it is tremendous.”

In just five days time 300 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, the Princess of Wales’s Regiment (1PWRR) will land in the city after gruelling tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.

After Southampton City Council was criticised for its initial lacklustre approach to the soldiers’ homecoming, high street retailers and businesses will be vital in promoting the events and ensuring hundreds line the streets to welcome home the troops.

One of the most enthusiastic supporters was Blacks shop supervisor, John Gore, who plans to sign up for the forces.

He said: “Normally the shop doesn’t allow posters in the window but this is different, you have to support the troops.

The route of the Southampton march on Tuesday.

“They are out there doing a difficult and dangerous job and they need to know they have the support of the public back home.”

Another shop worker who is following in the steps of these soldiers is Ashley Cairney, Freespirit manager, pictured above, who plans to serve with the army.

He said: “I definitely support the Echo campaign and will be putting up posters in the window and in the shop.

“These people do a difficult and dangerous job and don’t get paid much, it is important people turn out to cheers them in and I am proud if I can help with this.”

These sentiments were echoed by Rajiv Arora, who owns On/Off clothing store.

The Romsey route.

He said: “I think it will be great to see people turn out and give the troops a real heroes’ welcome.

“It is good for people to have a sense of patriotism and these men have been out there protecting us from terrorism and we should honour them and thank them for that.”

Tuesday’s parade will see the troops march from the civic centre through Above Bar Street, Southampton, and later parade through the heart of Romsey.

The city council has been criticised for not informing schools of the event, laying on transport or marking the route with flags.

There will be a civic reception laid on but this has been snubbed by Itchen MP and cabinet minister John Denham and Test MP Alan Whitehead who both have commitments in Parliament.