Hundreds of soldiers and their families visited the park and zoo, near Malton, free of charge as part of the Heroes Welcome initiative launched in Scarborough earlier this year.

The troops were from 4th Mechanised Brigade, also known as the Black Rats, and were the first to accept the invite which had been issued to all UK armed forces personnel.

Brigadier Julian Free, commander 4th Mechanised Brigade, in Catterick Garrison, said: "This very generous gesture by Flamingo Land is another indicator of the overwhelming support the Armed Forces enjoy and deserve for their extraordinary efforts on operations.

"It is very warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated. The service men and women of the brigade thoroughly enjoyed their day out with their families and friends."

Some of the troops had returned from a six-month tour to Iraq, while others had spent the summer moving their families to Catterick Garrison from bases in Germany.

Gordon Gibb, Flamingo Land chief executive was angered by reports earlier in the year of service men and women suffering abuse when wearing their uniforms in public.

He said: "I thought it was outrageous, and it is one of the main reasons why I decided to issue this invitation to Flamingo Land. I wanted to do something to welcome them back to Britain. The Heroes Welcome, that was spearheaded by the Evening News in Scarborough, really planted an acorn, and the oak tree that grew from that is the day we have put on today."

The visitors to Flamingo Land included 350 soldiers from across the board, including tank, infantry, and artillery personnel, as well as Military Police and medics.

One of those to accept the invitation was WO2 Peter Batley, who brought along his wife and two daughters. He said: "It is great that they have invited us here. Especially as we have just returned to Britain from Germany, it gave us a good opportunity to explore the area. It is nice to show my family what is on offer in Yorkshire, especially as I am originally from Yorkshire."