Seven Kent firefighters sent to help deal with the aftermath of Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami have returned safe and well to the UK.

The team of specialists were stood down on Friday after three days searching for missing people.

They were met by government representatives when the arrived at Manchester Airport on Saturday.

International Development Minister Stephen O'Brien praised the team for their courage and professionalism in Japan.

He said: "People in Kent should be proud of the team’s professionalism, dedication and courage.

"Through their vital work, Britain was at the forefront of assisting Japan in the aftermath of this terrible disaster.

"Despite cold, hard conditions Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s team worked relentlessly to search for survivors in the utter devastation of the earthquake and tsunami, providing much needed relief for Japan’s own exhausted disaster teams."

Arriving back at their Maidstone base at 11.30pm, operations commander John Mazzey explained some of their duties.

He said: "We spent three full days searching two towns in northern Japan - Ofunato and Kaimaishi - where tens of thousands were missing.

"The conditions were challenging as many hundreds of houses had been washed away in the city and extensive damage caused to the local infrastructure.

"Despite our extensive search of both towns and their surrounding areas, we were sadly unable to find any survivors."

Kent’s team leader Alan Downes said: "We were faced with a scene of total devastation in Ofunato and yet despite the fact that most of the local community had lost everything, they were extremely supportive, expressing their gratitude for our efforts, which was a very humbling experience."

Firefighter Mike Scott on his experiences in Japan

Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s director of operations Steve Demetriou said: "I am extremely proud of the team from Kent and am delighted that they are back safely.

"They are specially trained search and rescue firefighters and we are pleased that their experience and extensive training has been used to support the response effort in Japan.

"During their time in the stricken country they experienced some very difficult conditions and are truly special people to be able to work in these types of situations."

He added: "KFRS is grateful not only to the team who went to Japan and their families, but also to those who provided critical support from the UK to enable their successful deployment.

"Our thoughts are with the Japanese people as they continue to come to terms with the disaster and move forward to try and rebuild their shattered lives."