Prince presents medals to troops

Campaign medals have been presented by Prince Charles to paratroopers who returned from fighting the Taleban in Afghanistan earlier this year.

More than 500 soldiers gathered for the ceremony at the Parachute Regiment's base in Colchester, Essex.

Thirteen members of the regiment were among more than 30 members of the British Armed Forces to die in Afghanistan this year.

The Prince also met the families of some of the soldiers killed or wounded.

The troops have recently returned from a six-month tour of duty in Helmand Province.

'Very emotional'

Prince Charles, who was accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, is Colonel-in-Chief of the Parachute Regiment.

He told the troops: "You have no idea how proud you have made all of us, including your, by now, rather old Colonel-in-Chief.

"I can only salute you on an occasion like this."

During his visit, the Prince met 25-year-old Lance Corporal Tom Neathway, of Worcester, who lost both legs and an arm when a roadside booby trap exploded in July.

He said: "I knew how badly I was hurt. But I knew I'd be ok because my mates would get me out."

He said it had been a goal to stand to receive the medal and then walk a few yards to nearby chairs reserved for wounded soldiers.

"Now I just want to crack on. My next goal will be to get back to work," he said.

His father Alan, 57, said: "It was very emotional seeing him stand up.

"I was very proud. He's just an amazing kid."

The Prince said his son Harry's service gave him an understanding of what soldiers' families went through.

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