SOLDIERS from Worcestershire are returning home after a Territorial Army posting in Afghanistan which saw them involved in the capture of a terrorist commander.

Six county members of a 55-strong West Midlands Regiment deployment were due back today after helping rebuild the war-torn country.

After volunteering for mobilisation, they spent two months in intensive training before heading out to Kabul, the Afghanistan capital, for three months.

"I've had a great time in Kabul," said Pte Garry Hurst, of Evesham.

"If I'd had a choice, I'd have stayed out for longer, but I don't think my girlfriend would let me and it's nice to be home for Christmas."

Pte Robert Andrews, of Pershore, said it would be odd to return to his normal job after his stint in Afghanistan.

"Going back to work after the excitement of the past few months will be strange," he said.

"It will take a while to settle back in to a nine-to-five job."

The county pair were joined by Sgt Phillip Martin, Cpl Adrian Smith and Pte John Field - all from Worcester - and Pte Alex Perryman, from Droitwich.

Once there, the regiment worked alongside soldiers from the British Army including a successful operation to capture Ghulam Rabbani Abu Bakr, commander of a renegade terrorist faction, believed to be linked to al Qaida.

"The regiment was initially mobilised to provide security for the base in Kabul," said Col Richard Kemp, commander of the British Forces.

"But they have proved to be such high quality soldiers that we increased their task and they worked completely alongside the regular force carrying out patrolling and counter-terrorist activities throughout Kabul."