CROWDS lined the streets of Epping to welcome home troops from Afghanistan and remember those who had died.

The names of servicemen who lost their lives were unveiled on the War Memorial, including Epping Royal Marine Georgie Sparks, who died last year aged just 19.

His unit, 42 Commando, marched through the town to cheers and clapping from hundreds of people who turned out to watch the parade, led by the Epping Forest Pipe Band.

Wreaths were laid by Epping Forest District Council, 42 Commando, the Royal British Legion, Essex Police and MP Eleanor Laing.

Struggling to hide their emotions, the Sparks family comforted each other as Georgie's name was read out, before placing a wreath at the memorial in his honour.

It read: 'Georgie we miss you more and more everyday. Not a day goes past when we don't think of you and cry.

'Nothing will ever be the same, you mean the world to us. You will forever be in our hearts and minds.

'The world is a sadder place without you and your warm, loving smile. Love always Mum, Dad, Katie, Frank and Wilma.'

Their son should have arrived home from Afghanistan just days before the service, but died in November 2008 when his troop was targeted in the Helmand province.

Royal Marine Ben Tipper, 21 was with him when he died.

He said: "This is for the family, it means a lot to them to see everyone who was out there with him.

"Not everyone had the chance to go to his funeral and it's the final goodbye.

"He was a great guy to be around and a really good friend."

A silent tribute was paid at the end of the ceremony before The Last Post was played and the troop marched back through Epping High Street.