Emotional homecoming for RAF men at Yorkshire base

Members of 90 Signals Unit were met by their loved ones at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire to celebrate their homecoming after they were deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Herrick.

Among those who served on the six-month tour was Sgt Steve Popple, who was met by his wife Jackie, daughter Emily and son Ewan, at RAF Leeming.

Sgt Popple said: "I'm really pleased how well the tour went, we had a few new guys straight from training with us, but they really stepped up to the mark and proved to be highly effective members of the team.

"It was a great experience for them to experience Operation Herrick, and one they all wish to repeat."

Members of 1 Squadron, 90 Signals Unit, had been deployed to various locations across Afghanistan, supporting operations while working out of Kabul, Kandahar, Lashkar Gah and the main British military base, Camp Bastion.

The commanding officer of 90 Signals Unit, Group Capt John Philliban, addressed the squadron following their return to the North Yorkshire air base.

He said: "The difference you make each and every dayin theatre has a massive impact on operations, and is not to be underestimated.

"You should all feel justifiably proud of being such an integral part of the effort in Afghanistan."