A ROYAL Marine from Inkberrow has returned home to a hero's welcome after months in Iraq.

Residents of the village turned out in force to greet Cdr Daniel Edwards, who was caught up in some of the fiercest battles of the conflict in Iraq's second city, Basra.

A party was held at the Old Bull pub to celebrate Daniel's safe return, as well as his 21st birthday - he came of age on February 7, while in the deserts of Kuwait.

Mother

One of the first people to welcome Daniel was his mother Shelagh.

"It is such a dreadful feeling when you know your son is going to war," she said.

"You constantly think about him and the whole time you are so worried. But now he is back safe and well, and I just can't describe the relief.

"His younger brother Robert and dad Roger were also particularly pleased to see him."

Daniel, of Churchway Piece, this week returned to his base in Chivenor, Barnstaple, after just a three-day break.

The former Pershore High pupil joined the Navy at the age of 17 and transferred to the Royal Marines 18 months ago.