SOLDIERS from Worcestershire have finally arrived home after fighting on the frontline in southern Afghanistan.
About 100 troops from 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) had an emotional reunion with families and friends after a seven-hour flight from Kandahar, arriving at East Midlands Airport last night.
The troops, from the battalion's C Company, based in Lashkar Gah, were among some of the first soldiers to return from the regiment's six-month tour of duty in Helmand province.
Among those was Private Simon Gresty, of Stoulton.
The 22-year-old said he would be partying as well as resting now his first tour was over.
"It's great to be back," he said.
He was over the moon to see his girlfriend of nine months, 19-year-old Lucy Griffiths.
"It's brilliant," he added. "I've been waiting a long time to see her. It's been hard."
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