The marines arrived at Exeter Airport before travelling to Taunton

More than 100 Royal Marines arrived back in the UK from military action in the Gulf on Friday.

Families gathered at Exeter Airport to welcome home marines from Taunton-based 40 Commando, who flew in from Kuwait.

During the war on Iraq, 40 Commando was instrumental in securing an oil plant on the Al Faw peninsular and also joined 42 Commando in the battle for Basra.

Major Matt Pierson, commanding officer of 40 Commando's Delta Company, said it was "absolutely excellent" to be back.

I've got a steak lined up with a pint of Stella Marine Rob Williams

He said of 40 Commando's role in the war: "We were busy doing what we do for a couple of weeks.

"In certain areas things were more ordered earlier and one of the Commando units was able to present the right image and the way forward by getting into berets and making contact with the people."

Royal Marine Rob Williams, 21, from Hemel Hempstead, said it felt great to be back after three months in the Gulf.

"It's a massive contrast to be sweating in the desert one day and then back in the cool English weather the next. It's great to come away. I've got a steak lined up with a pint of Stella," he said.

Waiting at Exeter Airport ahead of the marines' arrival, Lewis Lightfoot, aged two, held banners bearing the message "Welcome Home Daddy" with a picture of his father, Sergeant Mark Lightfoot.

Wife's surprise

His mother Tracie Lightfoot, 38, travelled from Yeovil with her sons Lewis and Matthew, six, as a surprise for her husband.

"They have been so excited about him coming back, that's why we couldn't wait until they got to Taunton," he said.

"He's been away since January and the children have really missed him."

The 108 service staff then returned to their base, Norton Manor Camp, in Taunton by coach.