Daddy (or mummy) is home for Christmas! Heart-melting moment families welcomed home their loved ones aboard warship HMS Defender after six-month deployment in the Gulf

Crowds of families lined the shore to welcome home warship HMS Defender in time for Christmas after a six month deployment supporting US air strikes against Isis.
The Royal Navy warship sailed into Portsmouth Naval Base, Hampshire, this morning after its posting to the northern Gulf where it used its air defence capabilities to back the US-led carrier task group.

Children waved flags and banners to welcome home the sailors as they ran down the gangplank and the Portsmouth Military Wives Choir added to the festive atmosphere by performing carols.
The Type 45 destroyer clocked up more than 35,000 nautical miles since leaving the UK in June and her crew missed Christmas last year after being called up to track a Russian naval task force.

Awesome Family Reunion!