AMID tears, cheering and welcome home banners, HMS Ledbury returned to Ports-mouth from war in the Gulf in triumph on Monday.

Family and friends poured onto the ship, hugging and kissing loved ones who, in many cases, they had not seen since Ledbury sailed on January 20.

Ledbury was the last in the line of four vessels to enter harbour - first out and last in as the signal flags hanging from her halliards proclaimed. Hanging too was her battle ensign, blackened by its long service in the Gulf.

Waving supporters on the fortifications at the entrance to Portsmouth harbour were greeted with loud blasts from the ship's horn as crew gathered in No 1s - their best uniform - to receive their welcome.

With just one engine left operating, Ledbury was nudged into number 2 basin by tugs as a Royal Marine band played Moon River, a special request from her commanding officer Lt Cmdr Peter Olive. The tune had been played at his wedding and his wife, son and new baby were waiting for him.

On board were representatives from Ledbury Town Council, including mayor Keith Francis.

Ledbury arrived at Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon and anchored off Spithead.

One of the ship's boats was sent to a startled fish and chip shop with a bumper order, an idea formed months before and much looked forward to.

Fish and chips were eaten, as a crew, on the ship's sweep deck before the order came to "splice the mainbrace".

The practice is an ancient one. When the Queen presents her colours to the service - making it the Royal Navy rather than the British - she orders that spirits are issued to crews to drink her health. Tumblers of whisky and rum were duly sunk.

Early on Monday morning, the crew were visited by Rear Admiral David Snelson, commander of UK maritime forces and head of operations in the Gulf, who chatted to crew informally, over bacon sandwiches and tea.