British High Commissioner Peter Penfold, at the centre of the Sierra Leone arms affair, has returned to a hero's welcome in the capital Freetown.

Mr Penfold, of Fisherman's Wharf, Abingdon, was carried on shoulders and in a hammock through the streets of Freetown on Monday by people who regard him as the West African nation's saviour.

Throngs of civilians praised his support for the country's elected government which was restored to power by a West African intervention force in March after months in exile.

The West African force known as ECOMOG had earlier ousted military junta fighters led by Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Paul Koroma, who took power in a bloody coup last May.

Mr Penfold was recalled to London about two months ago, following accusations that Foreign Office officials authorised the British mercenary firm Sandline to break UN Security Council weapons sanctions intended to isolate the junta.

The British ambassador said that British officials were warned that Sandline intended to break the sanctions.

Sandline has admitted supplying security advisers and military equipment to ECOMOG and forces loyal to the restored government led by President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah.

Since then, Britain and other Security Council members have agreed in principle to partially lift the embargo so weapons can be sold to the elected government.

Mr Penfold's wife Celia was not at their Abingdon home today (TUES).

At the weekend, it was announced that Mr Penfold is to be quizzed by a select committee for his role in the arms to Africa affair.

He is to appear before a House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee to answer questions about his role.

His wife said earlier: "I have no idea whether he is aware of this or not."

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