A SOMERSET MP has said that the Royal Marines of 40 Commando who captured the southern towns in Iraq should be welcomed back with a proper celebration.

Taunton MP Adrian Flook has joined other public figures who, as reported in the Sunday Independent, believe it would be right to honour the returning troops.

Mr Flook said: 'Taunton should be very proud of the efforts of the Marines from Norton Manor Camp and the very least we can do is to welcome them home in proper civic fashion.

'When I spoke to the Commandant General of the Royal Marines, Major General Tony Milton, last month, he offered his help in making a welcome home happen and as they will have been away from home since mid-January and for much of the previous year, I am sure they will be given a rousing reception.

'Expelling Saddam from Basra was never going to be easy, and perhaps the swift execution of their task may have made it appear so; but there is no doubting that their professionalism and skill, which is something we can all take pride in, made the liberation of Iraq possible.

'It is now up to others to help the people of Iraq re-build their country and time to get Taunton's Marines back home as soon as possible.'

FOR more Bristol and Somerset news, order a regular copy of the Sunday Independent. FIRST. BEST. EVERY SUNDAY... and just 65p.

TO subscribe to your Indy, and have it delivered direct to your door, call Plymouth (01752) 209135 (Monday to Friday, 9.00 am until 5.00 pm).

Dateline: Tuesday, April 29, 2003