A KIDDERMINSTER soldier who miraculously escaped serious injury in a helicopter crash while serving in Iraq returned to a surprise hero's welcome from family and friends.

Private Joe Ganderton, who is in the Staffordshire Regiment's First Battalion, was at the centre of celebrations at his patriotically decorated home after completing his seven-month tour of duty.

Joe took part in daily street patrols and "hardly had a scratch" when he was involved in a helicopter crash while based in the southern city Al Almara.

The 19-year-old's parents, Debbie and Sam, said they felt an "overwhelming sense of relief" when their son walked through the door.

Sam Ganderton, Joe's father, added: "It is virtually impossible to put into words what it has felt like for the last seven months. It has not even been a case of taking each day as it comes. It was more like every hour. I found myself trying to listen to every news bulletin while I was at work."

The former Harry Cheshire School pupil admitted he did encounter hostility from the Iraqi people while taking part in patrols.

He said: "The helicopter crash was probably the thing that scared me the most while I was over there. I honestly thought that I was going to die.

"It feels great to be back home but it is weird because the way of life is so different. The Iraqi people were friendly when we patrolled on foot but then the same people would be throwing bricks when we got in the vehicles."

Joe, who has two brothers, Callum and Jack, said he was "devastated" when a roadside bomb killed three comrades in June.

He explained: "It hit everyone in the camp hard when the three lads were killed. Private Phillip Hewett from Tamworth was a good friend. He was a really nice lad. None of them deserved it. Morale was low after that and a lot of people were asking what was the point of us being there."

Joe's parents had to endure an agonising 12-hour wait to find out their son had not been involved in the terrorist attack.

His mother, Debbie, said: "We were on holiday in Spain when we heard the news. It was horrendous and I would not wish that feeling on any parents in the world.

"When we finally found out that Joe was not involved we were relieved but we could not be happy because we knew that three families would never see their sons again.

"Our hearts still go out to them and I cannot begin to imagine what that must feel like," she added.

Joe, a Kidderminster Harriers fan who has coached youngsters at the club, returned to the regiment's barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire, on Monday, where he will train to become a Lance Corporal in the new year.