10:42AM, Fri Oct 12, 2012

Home With The Family: Troops Return From Afghanistan

By Joe Daunt Location: Albemarle Barracks, Northumberland

Video: Troops return home to friends and family after tour of duty

North East soldiers have received their operational service medals at Albemarle Barracks following a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Seventy-two officers and soldiers from 176 (Abu Klea) Battery, 39 Regiment Royal Artillery (The Welsh Gunners) paraded in front of friends and families during the medal ceremony.

Colonel Mark Thornhill, Commander 1st Artillery Brigade said: "It is an incredible achievement. They have worked very hard over the last six months and I believe they are the best sub-unit this Regiment has deployed.

"We are all very proud with what they have done."

Commander Joe Harton, 176 Battery Royal Artillery, said: "Six months is a long time to be away from your friends and family.

"It is just amazing to be back."

The Battery has been providing fire support for 12 (Mechanized) Brigade in Helmand Province since March 2012.