AMIDST all the joy of his family reunion, the trauma of the last few months -- and the heartache of losing a friend -- were never far from the thoughts of Colour Sgt Michael Huxley.

Michael, 34, surprised wife Sharon, 33, and their two children when he arrived home from Basra two days earlier than planned.

Queens Lancashire Regiment colleague Captain David "Dai" Jones was killed in Basra in August following a bomb attack on an ambulance. The 29-year-old Welshman, who lived in Louth, Lincolnshire, has spent four years with the Regiment and was in Basra on a humanitarian mission.

Sgt Huxley said: "One of the worst points was when Dai Jones died.

"He was a really great lad and a good friend. They killed him in early August and that hit everybody very hard. But we had to grieve and say farewell then got on with things because it doesn't stop out there.

"The other hardest part was being away from my family and missing them so much.

"My job relates to the logistics and making sure that they get food, water and sanitation etc. It has been a big job arranging all of this and I have been really busy.

"One of the best things about this trip has been the kids out there. It was really heartwarming seeing their reaction to us in the streets.

"When we got there, they didn't have electricity or any power, or water. Power is now on, 23 hours a day, they have running water and have started cleaning up the streets, the schools have reopened.

"It makes you really think being in a situation like that that we really are making a difference. I know what we have done out there and the fact that troops were sent to Iraq was more than worthwhile.

"We have seen the results there as they happened and that was definitely worth sending troops out for.

Colour Sgt. Huxley, Sharon and their children Ross, five years and Holly 10 years, plan to spend Christmas at his home in Abbey Village. "Another two things that I have really missed are the local accents and watching Rovers. I am hoping that us getting back might finally bring them some luck".

Lt. Corp. Glenn Denton, 30 years, and his wife Laura, 26 years, have spent just 250 days of their 15 months marriage together.

The couple from Queensgate, Nelson, plan to finally take their honeymoon in January next year.

While he has been away, the couple's son Danny, 20 months, has learnt many new words and spent much of the time waving at and kissing his daddy's photo. On seeing his Dad, he began clapping and shouting for him. Laura, a full time mum said: "It has been really difficult as he was first called away of days within our marriage and was only back a short time before going to Iraq. At least when they go to Cyprus early next year, me and Danny can go with him."

Glenn said: "Being away has been very difficult for me and coming back today has definitely been a highlight for me. I have been missing home terribly especially this little one. I have been away for 250 days of our marriage and I am looking forward to catching up."