Troops returning from Afghanistan were treated to free beer sealed with a kiss.

Fifteen soldiers from the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (PWRR) visited the John Selden pub, Worthing, on Saturday to take up an offer from landlord Rod Stoneham.

When the Worthing Lions put together Christmas food parcels for the regiment, Rod included 600 vouchers which entitled each recipient to a free pint on their return from the frontline.

His barmaids placed a lipstick kiss on every voucher, which were redeemed as soldiers came back from tours of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Lance Corporal Kirk Wilkinson, 22, of Worthing, a Territorial Army infantryman who served in Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion PWRR, said: "It's a very decent thing for the landlord to do spot on, in fact.

"It's great to get support and feedback from the local community."

Barmaids Laura Thompson, 28, and Georgia Quick, 20, each planted a peck on L Cpl Wilinson's cheeks to welcome him home.

Sergeant Major Dale Holley, from Worthing, said: "It's been phenomenal for the lads out there to receive the parcels and the offer of free beer was brilliant."

The Lions praised The Argus for its support.

After an article on the parcels appeared in the paper more than £2,000 was donated to the Lions charity shop in George V Avenue.

Tony Holley, spokesman for the Lions and Sgt Maj Holley's father, said they had received hundreds of thank you cards and letters from troops.

One, simply signed A Sussex Soldier, said: "It really makes you feel good to know people at home are thinking of us soldiers over here in Afghanistan."

Worthing MPs Tim Loughton and Peter Bottomley joined the infantrymen for a drink at the pub.

Mr Stoneham was away, but laid on a buffet.