A RHYL teenager was among brave soldiers given a heroes’ welcome after returning from a six-month tour of Afghanistan.
Families and friends in Rhyl, Prestatyn, and surrounding areas have been celebrating the homecoming of members of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh who arrived at their base in Chester on Friday night after flying into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
Scores of banners have been put up showing support for the soldiers who have been taking part in Operation Herrick.
Emma Hewitt, of Glyn Avenue, Rhyl, welcomed home her 19-year-old son, Fusilier Lewis Hewitt.
“Having him home means everything to us,” said the 40-year-old Glan Clwyd Hospital administration worker.
“I felt like I was on tour with him.
“When I spoke to him and he was having a down day, I would have down day.
“It has been really hard.
“The soldiers are all doing a fantastic job over there.”
Former Rhyl High pupil Lewis was greeted by his 15-month-old son Leon, partner Kacey Williams, 20 and brother Owen, 13.
“It has been a nightmare for Leon and Kacey,” said Emma, who wants to raise money for Armed Forces Charity, Help for Heroes.
“They live across the road and they have been here all the time."
Soldiers will continue to arrive back over the next four weeks with more than 550 soldiers due to return the battalion, which lost two soldiers during the tour which started in March.
nHAS a member of your family returned home from duty in Afghanistan?
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