A SPECIAL homecoming event was held in Worcester in honour of five brave Territorial Army recruits who have returned from Iraq.

Gunners Adam Virgo, David Good and Rob Perrins, all from Worcester, Carl Hydes, from Hereford, and Sgt David Haste, from Malvern, returned from a six-month tour of duty in Iraq earlier this month.

Seven Royal British Legion standards were on parade at the ceremony at the TA Centre in City Walls Road, representing the legion branches at Worcester City, Claines, St John’s, Crowle, Droitwich and Droitwich Women’s Section and Pinvin, as well as the standard of the Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters regiment.

Also in attendance was Worcester’s deputy mayor, councillor Andy Roberts, who spoke of the city's gratitude for the efforts and sacrifices made by the five men.

The event was organised by Ivor Simmons, the partner of Mr Virgo’s proud grandmother Jean.

Mr Simmons said: “We thought it would be a good idea to have a party for them when they returned – and we thought we could make it a bit special by having the Royal British Legion involved.

“It was a really moving event, really emotional for everybody there.” Those attending enjoyed a buffet and disco courtesy of the event’s sponsors, TR Equipment Ltd, hospital equipment suppliers based in Evesham.