CROWDS lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the parade.

And they erupted into cheers when the troops reached the Stanley Matthews statue in Upper Market Square for a salute.

Shop workers paused at their doors to see the parade go past, while others waved from first-floor windows.

Many of the people, some of them tearful, had travelled into the city centre especially for the parade.

Ethel Kelsall, aged 79, of Peascroft Road, Norton, was among them.

She said: "I thought it was very touching and it was very nice seeing so many people turning out.

"I think about the lads a lot and know people who have been in the Army in the past."

Ann and Terry Wright, from Mount Pleasant, were also in the crowds.

Mrs Wright, aged 61, said: "We just want to pay our respects before they go to Germany and wish them well."

Her 65-year-old husband added: "I was in the Royal Engineers for six years so I have a lot of respect for them. They do a good job so they deserve our support."

Heather Lawton, aged 40, of Gloucester Road, Kidsgrove, said: "There was a great atmosphere and it really helped show how much support there is for the lads out there."

Her husband Cliff, aged 45, added: "Our son wants to be in the Army or the RAF so this would have opened his eyes quite a lot."

People could also look at a tank and find out more about the army at an information stand in Tontine Square.

Andrew Johnson's children, nine-year-old Scott and six-year-old Sophie, were busy exploring the tank.

Mr Johnson, aged 39, of Leek New Road, Baddeley Green, said: "It is the first time they have been in a tank. Scott loved it – I think they have got a new recruit in seven years' time."