Mother's relief as her THREE soldier sons return safely from Iraq

Jane Moitt waved goodbye to Private Darren Kilby, 18, and his brothers Corporal Chris Kilby, 21 and Private Mike Kilby, 20, in November last year.

All three have just completed a six-month long tour and were welcomed home with the rest of the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment at Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire.

The Kilby brothers, from Birkenhead, Merseyside, were also greeted by the rest of their family including younger brother Jonathan, who said he also wanted to join the Army.

The Kilby brothers Mike, 20, Darren, 18, and Chris, 21, with mum, Jane, before they headed to Iraq

Mrs Moitt, 39, who has recently remarried, said: "It has been nerve wracking and scary while they've been away but they've phoned me a lot, particularly Chris. I'm really proud of them but it's good to have them back."

Cpl John Rawdon, who married in December, has served in the Army for nine years and Cpl Erik Rawdon for five years.

They have served in Afghanistan and Iraq respectively, but for Private David Rawdon it was a first tour of duty.

Before the brothers left, Mrs Moitt spoke of her pride and concerns.

She said: "I want them to do their job and do their duty but from a mum's point of view it's the last thing you would want.

"I take some comfort from the fact they'll be together and looking after each other.

"I just wish someone would wave a big wand so it wouldn't have to happen."

The Mercian Regiment is the Army newest. It was formed last year by a merger between the 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment, the Staffordshire Regiment and the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters.

The 1st Battalion, which includes about 600 soldiers, recruits mainly from the Cheshire and Wirral area.