SOLDIERS returning home from a gruelling seven-month tour of Iraq paid tribute to their fallen Runcorn comrade.

As the 600 men and women from the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment arrived home they paid tribute to their eight colleagues, including 35-year-old Sgt Graham Hesketh.

Kingsman John Joe Jordan, 26, a signaller from Liverpool, said: 'We are all incredibly sorry for all the f amilies.

'This will have been a very difficult weekend for them and we want them to know they are in our thoughts.'

The troops endured what was described one of the 'toughest and most challenging' operational tours of duty in Iraq since the war ended.

They received an emotional welcome from their friends and family as they returned to Catterick Barracks, in Yorkshire, after flying into Teesside Airport.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mark Kenyon said: 'I am immensely proud of every man and woman in this battalion.

'For nearly seven months, the battalion has conducted the full spectrum of operations against a determined and resourceful enemy.

'The aim - to break us - has failed. We have, however, suffered our losses as well, and I pay tribute to those fellow officers and Kingsmen who have given their lives or been seriously injured during our operations. Our thoughts on return to the UK are with their families.'

Part of the Second Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (2 Lancs) mission was to conduct 'strike operations' - the arrest and detention of known rogue militia and criminals.

They made a record number of arrests of rogue militia.

'Hero' killed by roadside bomb

SERGEANT Graham Hesketh was killed when a roadside bomb exploded during a routine patrol in Basra on December 28 last year.

The 35-year-old suffered horrific injuries when the bomb detonated underneath the armoured vehicle he was travelling in.

He received full military honours at his funeral at Our Lady's Catholic Church, Palacefields, in January.

Hundreds attended the funeral at the church where he had served as an altar boy.

During the service father-of wo Sgt Hesketh was described as a 'devoted father and hero'.

His father, Kevin, said he was 'a very courageous young man'.