By Gemma Williams BBC News website

Homecoming parade for troops

And the picturesque setting of Cardiff Castle was in stark contrast to the war-torn Basra palace where many of the soldiers had been based.

But it was here on the streets of the Welsh capital that they now gathered.

Their six-month tour of duty was finally over and this was their homecoming parade.

Lining the roads, dressed warmly against the chill, were relieved families, proud friends and members of the public who just wanted to show their gratitude.

Young and old had gathered early to ensure the best view of the parade, which ran from Cardiff Castle a couple of hundred metres to the Millennium Stadium, where the ceremony was being held for the 450 soldiers.

I'm just glad he's home safe. We were so worried. It's a lovely Christmas present Christine Green, mother of soldier Richard Green

As they waited for the soldiers to appear, mothers spoke with tears in their eyes of their relief that their sons and daughters were home at last.

Fathers, partners, grandparents, cousins and children were also united with pride.

Many waved Welsh flags and others took pictures and filmed on camcorders for family members who could not be there.

Estena Thomas, mother of Daniel Thomas, 21, from Risca in Caerphilly county, said: "I'm expecting to be very emotional. We're so proud of him.

"He came home last Tuesday, I spoke to him last night and he was looking forward to the parade. I'm pleased they're doing this. They should do more for the troops."

Sarah Hawthorne, whose son Adam Evans, 20, arrived home in Blackwood last Wednesday, said: "I think it's a good thing to hold a parade. It shows we appreciate them.

Daniel Thomas' parents and grandmother waved flags in support

"It takes a lot of guts for them to do what they do."

At 1015 GMT, a Warrior tank with the Welsh flag flying high made its way from the front of the castle followed by the Band of the Prince of Wales' Division, playing Men of Harlech.

Behind them followed line after line of marching soldiers.

They looked straight ahead - professional to the end - but there was the occasional smile at family members they spotted in the crowd.

Applause escorted them on their way, along with cheers of "well done" as the parade reached the stadium. They filed onto the pitch as their families and members of the public filled two tiers of the stand.

It was here the soldiers were honoured for their bravery and those who were killed in Iraq were also remembered.

Adam Evans' family and girlfriend were happy he was home

Lt Gen Freddie Viggers thanked the people of the UK for the support they had given the soldiers in Iraq and expressed gratitude for those who had attended the parade and ceremony.

He said: "Every day we're heartened by the support the British public shows us."

He also promised to support the families of the soldiers who had lost their lives in Iraq: Cpl Paul Joszko, L/Cpl Ryan Francis and Pte Craig Barber, and paid tribute to their bravery.

As the Morriston Orpheus Male Choir sang, 220 soldiers who had completed their first tour of duty in Iraq received medals.

The rest of the regiment had previously been awarded this honour for earlier tours of duty.

As crowds left the stadium, people said they were looking forward to Christmas with their families back together again.

Christine Green, from Cardiff, mother of soldier Richard Green, said: "I'm just glad he's home safe. We were so worried.