CHAMPAGNE flowed when Hercules pilot Nick Davies arrived home from a 10-week mission flying equipment and men to front line troops fighting in the Gulf.

More than 45 family and friends turned up at flight lieutenant Davies’s home in Pheasant Way, Cirencester, to see him arrive back safely.

The house was decorated inside and out with bunting and Union Jack balloons.

“It was all a complete surprise”, said the 28-year-old pilot who had been in the Gulf since just after Christmas.

And on his role in the Gulf he said, “I learned a lot about myself and the people I work with and it was an experience, but I’m bloody glad to be back home.”

Elaine Davies and children Gemma, 8, and Leanne, 4, looked just as pleased. “I’m delighted he’s back”, said Elaine.

Friends and neighbours helped her to decorate the house.

"I’ve got a lot of people to thank”, she said.

Flt Lt Davies, based with 47 Squadron, was normally stationed at RAF Lyneham near Wotton Bassett but during the Gulf War the squadron was given the vital task of flying men and equipment from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia to the allied front line.