Territorial Army soldiers who served in the Gulf made an emotional return to Northern Ireland today.
Thirty-three soldiers from the Royal Irish Rangers who guarded 16 Air Assault Brigade headquarters during the Gulf conflict flew into RAF Aldergrove near Belfast.
Family and friends were there to greet the troops, whose headquarters are at Portadown, Co Armagh.
Lieut Col Andrew McCord, commanding officer of the Royal Irish Rangers, said: "I have received numerous correspondences from those that came in contact with my soldiers during the war and everyone of these praised them for their performance.
"I think these comments show the professionalism, ability and character of our TA soldiers, who in very difficult circumstances have proven themselves more than capable".
PA