Around 100 members of the 1st Battalion of the Parachute Regiment touched down at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire on Saturday for a joyful reunion with their families.

The men were among 800 Paras who, along with the Gurkhas, spearheaded Nato's move into Kosovo after peace terms were agreed.

The battalion had been flown in by helicopter from Macedonia, and made routes safe for other soldiers before moving to Pristina, where they spent six weeks in a peacekeeping role.

Difficult role

Colonel Paul Gibson, the commanding officer of the Parachute Regiment, said the weeks in Kosovo had been difficult and "hugely demanding".

The BBC's Jon Kay: "They have witnessed the full horrors of the conflict"

The scale of violence in Pristina had been "surprising", said Col Gibson, although he believed the Paras had managed to make a "real difference".

The troops had taken more than 1,000 weapons off the streets, he said, and reduced the levels of crimes such as lootings, arson, and even murder.

However he warned that sustaining peace in the city would remain a "very tall order".

Captain Cameron Jack, 29, said he had been moved by the reception his battalion was given in Pristina.

"The Albanian population lined the streets. They were throwing flowers at us and asking us to kiss their children," he said.

"There were cheers from everyone and we felt honoured to be there. We felt we had an important role and I was glad to be involved.

"There had obviously been a lot of misery in Kosovo during the time and there are still many problems over there. But I am glad to be home."

Wedding joy

Lance Corporal Paul Byrne, 24, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, had feared his wedding plans would have to be cancelled because of his Kosovan tour.

Col Paul Gibson: "We've taken 1,000 weapons and reduced lootings, arson and murder"

But he now plans to marry his girlfriend Michaela Cryer, 33, next Friday.

He said: "We arranged the date for our wedding last August. It has been touch and go and we thought we would have to put everything on hold.

"But I am glad to be back and I cannot wait to make Michaela Mrs Byrne when we get married next Friday."

Irish take over reins

Over the weekend about 750 soldiers from 1 Para and their accompanying forces - the Third Battalion, G Battery of 7 (Parachute) Royal Horse Artillery, 9 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers and the Parachute Logistics Battalion - will be flown back to Brize Norton.

They will then go on several weeks leave, before joining the new, amalgamated 16 Air Assault Brigade in September.

Troops from the Royal Irish Regiment, are taking over the Paras' role in Pristina after spending the last eight weeks in Lipljan, about 20km to the south of the capital.