PLENTY of hugs await TA soldier Tommy Houston when he returns home this weekend after serving six months in Iraq .

Mum Pauline Houston said: "I just can't wait to see him and hug him. I have been so worried because of the troubles over there. He is relieved to be out of Iraq and is looking forward to coming home."

Tommy, who is the youngest son of Tom and Pauline, left Basra late last week and is now in Gutterslogh in Germany. He is expected to fly home sometime over the weekend.

Tommy is a former pupil of Park View Junior School in Prestwich and Castlebrook High in Unsworth. He joined the Army at 18, serving for four years with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Two of those years were spent in Northern Ireland with the security forces.

He now serves as a prison officer at Forest Bank in Agecroft.

His father said: "After leaving the Army he missed the comradeship and joined the Territorial Army based with the Royal Artillery at Bolton.

"As a reservist last October, he was called up for a six-month posting to Basra. This has been a very worrying time for all the family.

"We are delighted that he has now left Iraq and is in Germany for much deserved rest and recuperation."

The couple, who live in Prestwich, have two other sons, Paul (37) and Philip (33). The family, along with Tommy's girlfriend, Vicky, are planning a big welcome home for the soldier.

Mrs Houston said: "Though Tommy kept in touch by e-mail he did not tell us much of what was happening out there, probably to protect us and not to worry us too much.

"But as soon as he phoned me from Germany, I noticed a big difference in his voice and knew he was glad to be leaving Iraq.

"We are so pleased that he will be back with us soon," said Mrs Houston, who added that her heart went out to those families who had lost someone in Iraq.