SOLDIERS who responded to a potential flashpoint in West Africa have returned to their bases in North Yorkshire.

While the international focus has been on war with Iraq, rebel forces who were massing on the borders of Sierra Leone prompted fears that the uneasy peace established in 1999 could be in jeopardy.

The headquarters of 19 Mechanised Brigade, members of the Royal Signals and medics from 3 Close Support Medical Regiment from Catterick Garrison joined a squadron of Royal Engineers from RAF Leeming and a detachment from the 2nd Royal Gurkha Rifles last month.

Troops were in Freetown within 72 hours, underlining how quickly international forces could respond.

As well as renewing their alliance with the government, the troops also assisted with a number of reconstruction projects, including bridge repairs in time for the rainy season in May.

Task force spokesman Captain Ian Poole was confident the operation had been a success.

He said: "We have demonstrated that the UK can, if required, move troops rapidly to Sierra Leone in support of its government or a UN mission should we be called to do so at any time in the future.''