A Hereford marine engineer has returned home to a hero's welcome after eight months away at sea.

Friends and family decorated Joshua Phillips' College Green house inside and out as part of the homecoming party for the 19-year-old.

Having been part of the British forces in the Iraq war, Joshua also went to Australia and New Zealand before his family collected him at Portsmouth and whisked him back for the party at their Hereford home.

Joshua said he was happy to be home and was making the most of his time on dry land.

"I have been out on the town a lot seeing my old friends, which has been really good. I am going to do as much as possible in Hereford because I will be back on the ship again soon travelling abroad," he explained.