MEMBERS of the Chennai Six have touched down on British soil, saying words could not describe how it felt after spending more than four years in an Indian jail.

Nick Dunn, from Ashington, Northumberland, wept as he embraced his family who had been waiting for him at Newcastle Airport.

The former soldier and five other British men, including Nicholas Simpson, of Catterick Garrison, and Paul Towers, of Pocklington, near York, had been guards on a ship to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean, but were jailed in October 2013 after being charged with carrying unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

They won an appeal against their convictions last week after years of campaigning and were given permission to leave India.

Surrounded by supporters, Mr Dunn said he was going to have a hot bubble bath and was looking forward to eating steak.

“Words can’t describe how I feel, I’m on cloud nine and it’s all down to my sister, she’s made this possible,” he said. “I’ve been quite calm, I hadn’t been anticipating being this calm, it wasn’t until I came through the door there that it hit me.

“After four long years of not being able to see my mum, it’s the best Christmas present I could ever wish for.

“I want to relax with my family and I think a lovely hot bubble bath is on the cards for tonight. It’s something simple that we all take for granted, but I will never take it for granted ever again.

“For everyone that has campaigned for me, I am overwhelmed. Everyone’s support got me through this dark period of my life.

“Without them I don’t know where I would be so I really want to thank the British public for their amazing support.”

His sister, Lisa, said Mr Dunn had suffered horrendous conditions in hospital. She said: “Every single day I walked away and just left him in there it broke my heart.”

Another member of the group, Billy Irving, was greeted by family and two bagpipers after touching down at Glasgow Airport.

Mr Irving, from Argyll and Bute, said: “I’d just like to give a massive thank-you to everyone who supported all of the Chennai Six, all of the 35 men throughout. I just want to thank everyone, they’ve been so kind. Thank you for your support, thank you so much. It feels excellent to be home.”

The other four men were expected to arrive in the UK late last night. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson previously said: “It is wonderful news that the men are returning to the UK.

“The Foreign Office has worked unstintingly on this case, lobbying on the men’s behalf, visiting them in prison, updating their families and maintaining close contact with their legal team.

“I pay tribute to those who have campaigned for the men, who will be delighted to see them return home after being separated for so long.”