AIRMEN enjoyed an emotional reunion with wives and families when they returned home after two years in some of the world's troublespots.

More than 100 personnel from 34 Squadron RAF Regiment touched down at their home base at Leeming, near Bedale.

The men and their commanding officer, Squadron Leader Lawrence Brunt, were met by the station commander, Group Captain Brian Bates.

For the past four months they have been working in the desert heat in Basra, Iraq. Before that, they were in Kenya, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

They will now enjoy time with their families before they set off on their next major training exercise in late August or September.

Sqn Ldr Brunt said: "We have been heavily committed to the war against terrorism for the past two years and have been one of the most highly tasked RAF Regiment force elements.

"Despite the inevitable separation from family and loved ones, the squadron has maintained its operational focus and done exactly what has been asked of it.

"For a considerable amount of time the unit has had to focus solely on operations, the time has now come when mission needs are replaced by unit and individual considerations."

The unit's completion of its tour in Basra marks the end of Sqn Ldr Brunt's command. He is handing over to Sqn Ldr Mick Smeath.