Abingdon-based soldiers flew home today (Monday) after six months of stress and strain in Iraq.

More than 250 troops from 3 Close Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps based at Dalton Barracks were back to enjoy leave after supplying front line troops in one of the world's danger spots.

The regiment left Dalton Barracks in May and since then the specialists troops have been keeping the British Army in Iraq equipped with food, water and a multitude of supplies.

They have been working throughout the south east of the country, from the logistics base at Shaibah to Iraq's second city of Basra.

The first contingent of troops from the regiment returned to the UK at the weekend but most touched down at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in the early hours, before transferring to RAF Brize Norton for customs formalities.

They were due then to travel to Abingdon. After carrying out "post deployment" administration, the troops were looking forward to being reunited with their families. Army spokesman Gordon Skilling said: "The families are so pleased to see their loved ones home safe. Now they can enjoy time together after six months of separation and worry.

"The regiment provides a vital service to the infantry troops in Iraq. Some say they are not frontline troops, but life in Iraq for all our soldiers is tough and full of risk.

"The regiment has to supply their colleagues and that can be dangerous -- roadside bombs, suicide bombers and rocket propelled grenades. No-one has it easy in Iraq."