JOY, relief and tears were entwined as the remaining soldiers of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps' original contingent returned to Wattisham from Iraq.Families were reunited after more than six months apart, as the 23 men from the unit arrived at their base at lunchtime yesterday.

JOY, relief and tears were entwined as the remaining soldiers of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps' original contingent returned to Wattisham from Iraq.

Families were reunited after more than six months apart, as the 23 men from the unit arrived at their base at lunchtime yesterday.

The majority returned five weeks ago, the latest arrivals – who were deployed in February – had stayed behind as part of the joint helicopter force based in Basra, and were one of the longest serving out in Iraq.

Commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel George Butler, said: "We had a very successful time out there and, fortunately, everybody has now returned safely with no injuries. We have also recovered all of our helicopters and ground equipment.

"I'd like to thank all the people in the local area for their support for 3 Regiment during their deployment to Iraq and the Evening Star for it's wonderful coverage which was, for many families, the closest contact they had with their loved ones during this period."

3 Regiment has now handed over to 4 Regiment Army Air Corps, also from Wattisham, who have been gradually deployed over the past two weeks.