Gunners flew into RAF Lossiemouth on Tuesday evening

Servicemen of 51 Squadron RAF Regiment have returned to Lossiemouth in Moray. They were supported by 20 reservists from 2622 (Highland) Squadron.

A number were given permission to grow beards, which is considered a mark of authority in Afghanistan.

The gunners also paid tribute to a member of the squadron who died on a patrol two weeks ago.

The RAF said it was believed to be the first time personnel were allowed to grow beards for an operation.

Flight commander Kevin O'Brien said the beards had been a talking point amongst village leaders.

If I spoke they would look back, accept I was the leader of our side, and pay attention Kevin O'Brien Flight commander

He said: "From the start with these adoptive beards it was looked upon as if we were trying to adopt their culture and respect them.

"From my experience, while talking to the key leaders, they would be pointing at my beard and discussing it.

"When we were being more forceful and trying to deal with incidents, if I spoke they would look back, accept I was the leader of our side, and pay attention."

Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge, 20, from Sheffield, who was serving with C flight, died when a vehicle was caught in an explosion in late August.