Brave soldiers receive a hero’s welcome

A troop of brave soldiers have returned home to a hero’s welcome in Edinburgh after a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The members of 3rd Battalion The Rifles enjoyed an emotional reunion with their nearest and dearest, after their time based in Helmand province claimed the lives of 30 of their comrades, the Daily Record reports.

Sergeant Billy Bain was welcomed home by his seven-year-old daughter Megan, who proudly waved a flag proclaiming: "Welcome home daddy, my hero."

Similarly, Lance Corporal Stefan Rees was reunited with his wife Chantelle and son Tyler, who was born while he was 5,000 miles away in Afghanistan.

"All he’s been talking about for six months is seeing Tyler again. We’re just so excited to be together again," said Ms Rees.

Meanwhile, Chris Whittaker of the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh finally met his son Alfie last week after the volcanic ash cloud delayed his return from his tour of duty on the frontline.

Posted by Simon Williams