Members of the 829 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose, Helston, welcomed home one of its Merlin flights, six months after it left the base for HMS Westminster.

The flight joined the ship when she sailed from Portsmouth to the Middle East on June 12. From here the Merlin was involved in maritime security operations to reduce the risk of piracy and support anti-terrorism efforts.

Various tasks were also carried out in Singapore, Japan, South Korea Brunei and Jakarta.

The Merlin then returned to the Middle East, visiting Saudi Arabia, Egypt and a stormy Bay of Biscay before finally landing back at Culdrose.

One of the crewman returning home was Chief Petty Officer Dave Maitland, from Helston, who was welcomed by his daughters, nine-year-old Ailsa and 12-year-old Iona.

Iona said: "We missed our dad and are glad to have him back in time for Christmas."

Other members of the crew were the flight's commander, Lieutenant Commander Rob Thompson who lives in Praze, and his senior maintenance rating, Warrant Officer Kev McHale from Helston.