Champagne welcome for marines

Air Marshal Brian Burridge arrives at RAF Northolt, north-west London

More than 300 Royal Marines have been reunited with their delighted families after returning from military action in the Gulf.

The members of 40 Commando arrived at their base at Norton Manor Camp, near Taunton in Somerset, amid streamers, banners and champagne, after flying into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

Air Marshal Brian Burridge, the commander of British forces fighting in Iraq, also arrived back in the UK after three months in the Gulf.

He praised the bravery of British troops and said he was "very proud" of their actions.

"I think the British forces were personally magnificent. The whole campaign was a stunning success, the way the coalition worked together was a stunning success.

Throughout the conflict 40 Commando helped secure oil fields on the al Faw peninsula as well as joining 42 Commando in the battle for Basra.

The unit suffered 12 battle casualties - three of whom were seriously injured - but no fatalities during the conflict.

It's very good to be home. It makes you realise what a long time it's been

Jeff Thomas

Waiting families braved heavy rain as they rushed to greet the returning marines.

They will now enjoy between three and five weeks' leave.

Among those returning was Corporal Vincent Manley, who had an emotional reunion with his wife Michelle and daughters Lauren, 22 months, and Bethany, who is just nine months old.

"I felt nervous, excited and relieved all at the same time," Michelle, 30, said.

"I just felt, 'Thank god you made it back' and he feels exactly the same. He's delighted to be back home."

Second Lieutenant Jeff Thomas, after being reunited with girlfriend Niki, said: "It's very good to be home.

"It makes you realise what a long time it's been."