YORK-BASED soldiers have returned to the city after serving in Iraq.

The party of 40 soldiers from 2 Signals Regiment arrived at Imphal Barracks at 1am yesterday for a joyful reunion with their families and loved ones.

They were among the first wave of servicemen and women returning home from the war. After emotional moments with friends and family, the soldiers handed in their weapons and went home.

The group who returned yesterday endured a long journey from Saudi Arabia before they were welcomed home by their loved ones. After debriefing, they will go on leave.