THERE were emotional scenes yesterday as Gwent families welcomed home their heroes from Afghanistan.

Hundreds of people descended on the Lucknow Barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire, for the homecoming of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Welsh, following a seven-month tour.

Around 500 families and friends eagerly gathered on the parade square yesterday afternoon, waiting the return of loved ones.

This little corner of Wiltshire had a very Welsh flavour, from the Croeso Y Cymru sign on the entrance to the barracks, to the inflatable leeks and dragon face paint adorning youngsters.

After a nervy couple of hours, the moment everyone had waited monthsfor arrived.

Led by the Goat Major, the 99 returning members of B (Rorke's Drift) Company marched into view, prompting jubilation in the crowd.

The mere sight of the returning soldiers brought family members to tears as they could finally rest easy, knowing their loved ones were home safe.

Once the formalities were complete, the floodgates opened and relatives ran to embrace the returning heroes.

The job of the 150-strong B Company deployed to the Helmand and Kandahar provinces, was to assist with Operation Herrick, aimed at securing the regions and helping provide security during the rebuilding of Highway 1, a circular road in the country.

This homecoming also marked the end of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Welsh's two-year involvement in operations in the country.

Two serving Gwent soldiers who were part of this battalion were killed during their service. Abergavenny's Pte Richard Hunt died following injuries he suffered in an explosion in August 2009. Pte James Prosser, from Cwmbran, was killed in another explosion in September 2009. The troops will be given a proper Welsh welcome at a parade in Cardiff on April 30.

Amidst the throng of families sporting flags, banners and home-made signs, two Gwent youngsters stood out as they were kitted out in their own fatigues to welcome home their fathers.

Leo Tracey, 21 months, from Newport and Honey Louise Allen, 15 months from Newbridge were waiting with their families for the return of Pte Liam Tracey and Pte Michael Allen.

Pte' Tracey's fiancée, Lucy Delve, 22, was there with his parents, Karen and Andrew, both 45, sister Lauren, 19, and cousin Tom Givvons, 22.

Mrs Tracey, from Lliswerry, said: “The past seven months have been so hard but we're all proud of what he's done and what he's achieved – we've spent seven months waiting now we've got him back.”

Miss Delve, from the Gaer said she missed her husband-to-be but had to be stoic while he was gone.

“I've been looking forward to today since he joined the army because I knew it was coming.”

Miss Delve, Leo in arms, was in tears when she saw Mr Tracey march onto the square and the three had an emotional reunion as Mr Tracey, tears in his eyes, kissed and hugged his bride-to-be and only son.

He said: “I'm speechless, this is the best feeling in the world it's just so overwhelming to have everyone cheering, I'm so proud.”

Mrs Allen, 28, said: “It's brilliant having him back, I've had nightmares every night. I've been looking forward to today since he left, I was dreading him going. He's my prince and he's home.”