THE commanding officer of the Didcot’s bomb disposal heroes has thanked the people of Didcot for their “unwavering” support following their town parade.

Lt Col Gareth Bex, who commanded the Counter-IED Task Force during its seven-month tour in Afghanistan, has written to the Herald to express his personal thanks for the public's turnout earlier this month.

About 3,000 people lined the Broadway to cheer the task force, which defused more than 1,000 roadside bombs during its tour.

Lt Col Bex said: “The recognition of our achievements by the people of Didcot and amazing display of public affection means an awful lot to my men and women. We are all deeply moved and grateful for the public’s kindness.”

Family members of both the dead and wounded attended the parade and ceremony on Friday, April 16, including the father and step-mother of 31-year-old Capt Dan Read, who was killed in an explosion on January 11.

His father Les Read, 60, said: “I just want to say a big thank-you to the people of Didcot for their appreciation.

“You could see it on the soldiers’ faces — they were so proud on the day, and proud of serving their country. It was so uplifting.

“When I spoke to the lads afterwards that knew my son, they said it had been absolutely brilliant. They had never expected so many people.”