A Royal Marine returning home from the Gulf was given a hero's welcome last night.
Robert Dagnell, 20, of Lynton Road, Benfleet, left for Iraq on February 1.
Last night, his home was swamped with decorations as his family and friends welcomed him home after three tense months.
Proud dad John said: "We're really proud of Robert - it has been a tense time for all of us and our thoughts were continually with the boys.
"They've all done an excellent job and we're just so pleased he's home safe and sound. It has been a very worrying time for us.
"Robert joined the Royal Marines when he was 18. It's the only thing he's ever wanted to do.
"When we have been able to talk, he has constantly told us not to worry and that he's doing the job he has been trained to do.
"But we haven't obviously been able to talk to him very often at all, most of the time we didn't even know exactly where he was, although we gathered he was in southern Iraq, somewhere near Basra."
His girlfriend Stacie Claydon, who had gone to meet him at the airport with his mum and dad, had made a massive "Welcome home Robert" banner.
Stacie said: "I'm just so happy and glad he's home."
Published Friday, May 16, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article