HUNDREDS of soldiers returned from Iraq to their base in York early today.

About 300 members of 2 Signal Regiment flew home after providing vital communications during the war to topple Saddam Hussein.

They were due to go on parade this afternoon at Imphal Barracks, in Fulford Road, and will go on leave in a few days time.

About 500 members of the regiment - about 80 of them women - went to the Middle East earlier this year. Some had already returned home before today's mass return.

Updated: 10:52 Thursday, May 15, 2003