SOLDIERS had an emotional homecoming from Afghanistan at the weekend after five months on the front line.

The soldiers of 2 Signals Regiment returned to Imphal Barracks, York, after days of delay. Many were immediately draped with the traditional Gurkha homecoming gift – a light scarf called a Hatha.

Their commander Lieutenant Colonel Andy Knott spoke of his relief in bringing all 300 soldiers under his command safely home and his pride in their achievements in building a communications network for UK and Nato forces.

Staff Sergeant John Stephenson said: “It’s great to be back. I wanted to go to Afghanistan, because I wanted to get the chance to do something that many people don’t get – to change people’s lives and improve the quality of their lives.”

Sgt Stephenson earned the nick name of the Pied Piper of Fulford, through his work in building a school that now provides essential education lacked by Afghan children.

His wife, Mandy, said: “I’m proud of him.”

He had previously served in Iraq and Kosovo and his daughters, Alicia, 12, and Jasmine, 11, could not contain their delight at having their father back.