In pictures: Freed US reporters return

Euna Lee, left, and Laura Ling are greeted by their families at Burbank airport

Two American journalists jailed by North Korea for alleged illegal entry in March have been reunited with their families after arriving at an airport in Burbank, California.

The two women hug their families at Burbank airport

Euna Lee (L) hugged her husband, Michael Saldate, and her daughter Hanna, while Laura Ling was greeted by her husband, Iain Clayton.

Laura Ling (L) and Euna Lee (R) arrive from North Korea at the airport in Burbank, California, with former US President Bill Clinton pictured in the background

Ms Ling (L), speaking on behalf of her colleague, said that the last 140 days had been the most difficult, heart-wrenching time of their lives.

Bill Clinton meets Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang on 4 Aug (KCNA)

The two women were pardoned by North Korean leader Kim Jong-il after former US President Bill Clinton visited Pyongyang for talks.

Former US President Bill Clinton (R) embraces his former Vice-President Al Gore at Burbank airport

Former Vice-President Al Gore - who heads the company for which the two women were working - praised Mr Clinton for performing his mission "so skilfully".

Euna Lee is pictured with her husband and daughter at Burbank airport

President Barack Obama, describing himself as "extraordinarily happy" at their release, said he hoped the women would be able to enjoy the next few days with their families.