More than 100 Royal Marines flew back to the UK yesterday from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan to tears of joy from their families and the strains of a military band.

The men from 40 Commando's B Company, based in Taunton, Somerset, arrived at Exeter International Airport yesterday afternoon, having served in northern Helmand in support of 52 Infantry Brigade as part of a UK-led multi-national force.

Among them was 19-year-old Marine Will Charters, who made headlines when he was photographed carrying a wounded Afghan girl to a sick bay after she was hurt in a Taliban rocket attack in February.

She was one of two girls hurt in the attack in Sangin, southern Afghanistan - a revenge raid following an operation by 40 Commando.

At the time, Marine Charters from Exeter, Devon, who was handed the girls by their uncle, said: "I have seen casualties before but it is horrible when children are involved."

Yesterday he said the cameras were in the right place at the right time and added: "Things like that are happening every day, a lot of Marines out there are doing brave things. Everyone deserves to be treated the same."

He said the young girl that he was carrying had lost her left arm as a result of the attack, but now she and the other child were walking around and were fine.

"They are lucky girls, it makes you feel good," he said.

He said the local people were grateful to them for driving the enemy out and were beginning to trust them.

Marine Charters who was met by his mother Jane, and sisters Victoria, 16, and Jessica, 11, continued: "You cannot relax no matter how long you have spent out there."

The 40 Commando had lost three men over the past month, and he said: "The Royal Marines is a tiny family. When we lose someone it is like losing a member of your family. But you come back stronger."