The families of soldiers from the Canterbury-based 5 Scots gave a rapturous homecoming welcome to loved ones on their return to the city on Saturday after six months on the front line in Afghanistan.

The 120 strong B company of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders arrived in two coaches and were met at the gates by pipers who accompanied them to the parade ground for their emotional reunions.

But their return was also tinged with sadness because the company had lost one of its most popular soldiers in Pte Joseva Vatubua who was killed in an explosion on New Year’s Day.

It had been an anxious wait for the families as the company were in the most dangerous area of Helmand Province.

Company commander Major Will Horridge said: "It’s great to see the family, it’s been a long six months, we’ve achieved a lot but it’s great to be back.

"It’s been hard work, more difficult than we probably thought at the beginning but we have come away having made some real achievements."

The battalion was spread out across the province, where its roles included mentoring and training the Afghan National Police (ANP) and driving out insurgents.

5 SCOTS commanding officer Lt Col Adam Griffiths returned from Afghanistan last week but was on hand to welcome home the last of his troops.

He said: "It has gone extremely well for the battalion, we have more than achieved the tasks we were set. The difference between the country now and when we were last there three years ago is incredible."

The battalion will celebrate its homecoming with a parade through Canterbury on Thursday, May 12, followed by a service at Canterbury Cathedral.