The banner, printed on vinyl by the Havant-based firm, will be used to greet soldiers and naval officers as they arrive on the island for a 36-hour ‘decompression’ period after six months in the Middle Eastern war zone.

Hampshire Flag Company managing director Graham Wilkinson said: “Returning home after six months’ service in Afghanistan must be an incredible feeling. It’s great to be able to help lift spirits and encourage the troops by supplying this banner.”