RESIDENTS of Northwich raised more than £300 for the soldiers who were made to pay for tea and coffee at their homecoming parade.

Northwich’s town mayor Alison Gerrard launched an appeal for the Mercian Regiment after staff at the memorial hall accidently charged troops for refreshments when they marched through town.

The soldiers were supposed to be given free drinks at the hall, run by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), but an administrative error meant the instruction did not reach staff until it was too late.

CWAC donated the takings of £150 to Help for Heroes but residents said they wanted to do something for the regiment itself.

Major Eddie Pickering, assistant regimental secretary for the Mercian Regiment, said: “On behalf of the Mercian Regiment I am very pleased to accept this generous gesture.

“I would like to thank everybody in Northwich, not only for this but also for the warm welcome they always give our soldiers.”

Clr Alison Gerrard said: “On behalf of the people of Northwich I would like to send our best wishes to all who served with the regiment and hope that they keep safe.”