Territorial Army volunteers who served in Iraq were welcomed home to Eastbourne with a special civic ceremony.

Town Mayor Olive Woodall hosted a reception for the 56th Signal Squadron (V), based at the TA Centre in Seaside.

Eight TA servicemen who supported the war effort in the Middle East attended the event at Eastbourne Town Hall in Grove Road on Saturday afternoon.

The troops served with the 56th Signal Squadron Volunteers - part of the 31st City of London Regiment Volunteers.

Coun Woodall said: "They were telling us what it was like to be in the middle of the conflict. They said it was very dangerous and were relieved to be home.

"They knew they had a job to do and they did not regret going but said it was nice to be back."

All the troops, including Major Anthony Lamb, who was not deployed, Warrant Officer Martin Cooper, Staff Sergeant Michael Dowds, Sergeant Tony Black, Corporal Eric Gardyne, Corporal Peter Paine, Lance Corporal Gavin Dalton and Signaller Merrick Prescott, signed Eastbourne's visitor book.

In April 2000, the squadron was awarded the highest civic honour that can be bestowed by Eastbourne Borough Council.

They became the 25th recipient of the freedom of the borough for their long and distinguished service to the town.