Lynx crew home from war

The crews have been away for five months

The first Lynx helicopter aircrew returned home on Saturday to Somerset from the war in Iraq.

Families were on the tarmac at RNAS Yeovilton to welcome the crew back.

They were called away in January at short notice, and were based on HMS York involved in front line attacks and defending American aircraft carriers.

One crew member, Lieutenant Mark Swindells, said he was happy to have made it back in time for the FA Cup Final.

He told the BBC: "It feels marvellous. I am looking forward to normality... having weekends, going down the pub and seeing my friends again."

His girlfriend, Jackie Gay, said she was just pleased to have him home.