SOLDIERS from the Royal Anglian Regiment were welcomed to Parliament this week by MPs Andrew Mackinlay and Angela Smith.

Basildon and East Thurrock MP Mrs Smith and Thurrock MP Mr Mackinlay were in attendance as the regiment gave a report about their two tours of duty in Basra and elsewhere in Iraq.

Mr Mackinlay said:“It was a great honour for us to welcome these soldiers to Westminster.

“The Anglians are our local regiment and many of them come from our part of Essex.

“As well as obtaining a briefing, it gave us an opportunity to congratulate them on their gallantry and skills in what has been a most testing and in some cases hostile environment.

“They more than met those challenges and we are very proud of them.”