SAFE in the arms of the one they love.

These were the emotional scenes as Britain's Gulf War heroes returned home to their families in Hampshire.

Staff Sergeant Paul Elson embraces his wife Anita and their children Amy and Daniel after four months' duty in Iraq.

Paul and 67 other soldiers were the last of their regiment - 17th Port and Maritime - to return from the Iraqi conflict in which they had a vital role.

The troops, based at Marchwood, near Southampton, secured a strategic port in Iraq and were responsible for ensuring supplies reached the front line.

More on the homecoming in tonight's Daily Echo - see pages two and three.