Wren's proud homecoming

Pouring rain did not wipe the smile off Becky Mason's face

The youngest wren to serve on board HMS Ark Royal has received a tremendous welcome from her home town.

Becky Mason, 18, was on board the Royal Navy's flagship for four months during the Iraq War.

Family and friends had a surprise waiting on her return to Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, with a special party on Sunday afternoon.

Her mother and sisters were among the huge crowd gathered in Portsmouth on Saturday to welcome home the ship.

Becky said: "I feel really excited to be home, and I'm just glad it is all over."

She described the return to Portsmouth as "brilliant".

"The adrenalin was just rushing and I was crying. It was so brilliant."

Her mother Sue Deakin said she was delighted to finally have her daughter home.

"I have come alive," she said. "It has been a terrible four months wondering and waiting.

"Saturday was a most amazing day at Portsmouth and the atmosphere was brilliant."