Full report: Royal Marines return home

More than 50 Royal Marines will return home to Somerset later tonight after completing their final tour of duty in Afghanistan. The troops from 40 Commando, will be welcomed back to their base at Norton Fitzwarren by friends and family.

The final members of the Unit will return later this month. The Defence Secretary Philip Hammond says it's the right time to withdraw them from the country.

Our defence correspondent John Andrews now looks back on the role the marines both from 40 Commando, and four two Commando, based in Plymouth, have played in Afghanistan.