Bicester soldiers returned home on May 19 to a heroes' welcome after four months' service in Iraq.

Private Ben Houghton is reunited with his eight-month-old son Will

Eighty-eight soldiers belonging to 23 Pioneer Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corps returned to St David's Barracks, in Graven Hill, Bicester, just before 6pm.

Emotions were running high as the soldiers saw their loved ones for the first time since they were deployed to Iraq to provide humanitarian aid and back-up front line troops.

Some family and friends had been waiting at the barracks for eight hours. The soliders were due to arrive at RAF Brize Norton at 9am, but faced delays.

Since military action ended, they had been working with Iraqi people in Umm Qasr to help them set up their own council.

Commanding officer Lt Col Peter Jones, who was greeted by wife Jane and eight-year-old son George, said the troops had done their country proud.

Lt Col Jones led a 12-strong team of soldiers who helped Iraqi people to establish their own public services and a new police force.

He said: "We have been keen to encourage Iraqi people to set up their own democracy, something which they did not know under Saddam's regime.

"There is still a long way for them to go, but we have been able to give them the opportunity to shape their own destiny."

Private Kevin Gramson, 31, was welcomed back by wife Mary and their children Robyn, 10, Casey, seven, and Lewis, two.

Mrs Gramson, 32, said: "Just knowing he was out there among all the fighting that was going on was really worrying, especially for the children.

"We're really proud of what he's been doing to help, but we're just glad he's home safe."

Pt Ben Houghton, 24, of the Royal Electrical and Medical Engineers Regiment, which is attached to the Pioneers, was amazed to see how much his son Will had grown.

His wife Laura, 20, said: "It's been difficult for both of us, but at least I've had Will to keep me busy.

"I was nervous about seeing Ben today, but now it's just brilliant to have him home."

More than 160 Pioneers arrived back at the base two weeks ago. The regiment's final troops are due to return from Iraq on Wednesday.