The last two warships in the Gulf are due to return home to Portsmouth

There were emotional scenes as the crews from HMS Marlborough and HMS Liverpool ran down the gangplanks into the arms of their loved-ones.

After seven months at sea, they received a rapturous welcome from 600 relatives who waited several hours for the ships to dock at 1030 BST on Friday.

Chief Petty Officer Andrew Weeks, from Portsmouth, hugged his daughters Rhiannon, seven, and Caitlin, five, and wife Harriet.

He said: "We are going to get to know each other again and tonight just the four of us will spend some time together."

Harrier fighters' flypast

The vessels, which left the UK in January, were in the thick of the action in the Gulf during the early push to oust the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Their return was marked with a flypast by Sea Harrier fighters and a Nimrod aircraft.

Commander Martin Ewence, the commanding officer of HMS Liverpool, a Type 42 destroyer, said: "Our role was to go in close to the Al Faw peninsula, ahead of Ark Royal and the other amphibious task group units.

Vital roles

"Our aim was to clear a path through potentially mined waters, provide early warning of any chemical or biological weapon release and safeguard the flagship and her vital cargo of Royal Marines."

"In the end the ship achieved all that was asked of her with her renowned style and flair, " he added.

Marlborough, a Type 23 frigate, led four ships into shallow waters close to the Iraqi coast to provide the Royal Marines, securing oil installations on the Al Faw peninsula, with gun support.

"Our aim was to clear a path through potentially mined waters, provide early warning of any chemical or biological weapon release and safeguard the flagship and her vital cargo of Royal Marines." Commander Martin Ewence

Captain Mark Anderson, commanding officer of HMS Marlborough, said his ship's company were pleased to be heading home after a long, varied and highly successful operation.

He said: "The maritime phase of the operation was completed quickly and professionally.

"Clearing the way for land forces to enter and for vital humanitarian aid to be brought into the country bringing much needed relief to the people of Iraq."