Brave soldiers who returned from Iraq after six months on the front line stepped triumphantly out into the Bolton TA barracks' yard to cheers and a round of applause from the eager crowd of waiting family and friends.

Lonely wives, girlfriends and financees, desperate to see their men, embraced the soldiers, showering them with kisses.

Babies were passed to long-absent fathers and uncles, and friends clapped their pals on the back, pleased to see them home safe and well.

All the soldiers wore full desert camouflage gear - except for one unfortunate trooper who forgot his desert boots!

Some of the relatives also dressed up for the occasion, wearing matching T-shirts and brightly-coloured accessories.

The weather might have been overcast, but the bright smiles of the waiting crowd ensured the occasion was anything but dull.

The 31 soldiers, all members of the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, who served in Iraq's major southern city, Basra, were among 150 returning to the North-west.

Their job was to guard the airport and train the Iraqi forces ahead of returning control to the country's military.

The forces were on constant alert for indirect fire as stray rockets blasted around them day and night.

Kingsman Paul Garner, aged 21, of St Kilda Avenue, Kearsley, said: "It was scary when the big rockets were coming in close.

"You laugh about it now, but when it's really happening you get a bit nervous."

The group returning yesterday were lucky to escape any major casualties, but some civilians working in the compound were killed in a rocket attack.

Kingsman Alan Rogers, aged 21, of Hawthorn Road, Deane, was lucky to escape a roadside bomb which exploded while he was on his way back to base after a four-day operation.

He said: "It didn't hit my vehicle but it was a bad experience. The first few times that sort of thing happens it's quite scary but you sort of get used to it."

Kingsman Karl Cole, of Hulton Lane, Bolton, spent his 21st birthday, on May 9, dodging mortar attacks.

"It wasn't the best way to spend my birthday," he said, before revealing he is now planning to hit Ibiza and Majorca to party.

The homecoming soldiers were treated to a buffet and drinks in the barracks before they were addressed by ranking officer Maj Garry Pinchen.

He said: "These men have maintained self discipline and self-restraint often in difficult circumstances and they've done it all with good humour and humanity.

"We would like to thank all the family members and friends for their forebearance, unconditional support and goodwill."

For one soldier, coming home meant meeting the latest addition to his family for the first time.

Kingsman Kyle Cooper was on duty in Iraq when his sister, Kadie, gave birth to a baby girl, making him an uncle.

Mia Lilli Hopwood was born in March, when the 22-year-old was four months into his tour. The two-month-old was among the family members waiting to greet him Kingsman Cooper, of Shaw Road, Horwich, said: "It's nice to finally meet her. I've heard a lot about her and seeing her has made becoming an uncle for the first time real."

Most of the soldiers, who are back for two weeks before returning to their base in Germany, were keen to get to the pub and start celebrating their return.

Kingsman Gary Kenny, aged 21, of Markland Hill, Heaton, was desperate to come home and celebrate his girlfriend Hayley Kershaw's 21st birthday on April 25. But to his dismay, his leave date was changed at the last minute and he missed out on the big party.

But he managed to buy her some gifts. Hayley said: "I know he's got me a handbag.. That's what I really wanted. It's really good to have him back. I've missed him lots and it's been horrible."

Roles were reversed for brothers Nicky and Lewis Lea when they served together in war-torn Basra. Older brother Nicky, aged 26, is used to telling Lewis, aged 23, what to do.

But while Nicky was serving on the front line, Lewis was a signalman, relaying commands to the forces on the ground.

Nicky, from Winter Hay Lane, Horwich, praised the work of his brother to make his job easier.

He said: "He's my eye in the sky, which is just what we need. If we need any information back from the compound or he spots anything in front of us, he lets us know."

Regiment spokesman, Captain Jon Gilbody, said: "The job the lads have done has been superb during a very demanding six-month tour. We are very proud of their achievements and the results they have produced."

Bolton South-east MP Brian Iddon said: "I'm enormously grateful for all the professionalism they have shown in the line of duty out in Iraq."