PROUD families joined about 100 of Colchester’s military police to mark their achievements in Afghanistan.

Soldiers from 156 Provost Company, Royal Military Police, who had completed their first tour of Afghanistan, were awarded operational medals by Lord Petre, Lord Lieutenant of Essex, with the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas playing in the background.

Essex Police’s Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle and Brigadier Eddie Forster-Knight, the provost marshall of the Royal Military Police, applauded their efforts at Colchester’s Goojerat Barracks after they all returned safely, some after completing a third tour.

The sun came out to salute the red caps during the parade ceremony yesterday.

Lord Petre said: “I am absolutely delighted, privileged and honoured to present these medals to you all.”

The red caps were split across Helmand for the six-month tour, with some training the Afghan National Police and others arresting insurgents and collecting evidence.

Each base and company had support from 156 Provost Company and the officer in command, Major Frank Parke-Robinson, was delighted with their efforts.

He said: “The guys on the ground did an incredible job. I am glad we are all back. Some were injured, but thank God we did not suffer any serious casualties.

“A number of soldiers got campaign medals for Afghanistan, some long service medals and some long service and good conduct medals.”