THERE were shouts, cheers and many tears of joy from excited families on the quayside, as HMS Cornwall sailed back into Devonport yesterday after a seven month round-the-world voyage.

Proudly flying the Cornish flag of St Piran, at the head of the Task Group 2000, and after the longest deployment by the Royal Navy for 15 years, she was the first warship to dock, with the honour of having Admiral Essenhigh, Cmdr in Chief Fleet, on board.

He had joined the ship during her anchorage in Cawsand Bay earlier in the morning, to thank the ship's Company on a job well done.

With arms and banners waving, many saying 'Welcome home daddy', there were emotional re-unions and scenes of sheer delight as the crew ran down the gangway to greet their loved ones.

Also on the quay was Commander of Devonport Naval Base, Cmdr Cheadle, and the Band of HM Royal Marines were also in attendance.

For Chief Petty Officer Paul Edis of Saltash, this was a homecoming with a difference and very special.

'I left in May as a single man, and have come back married with four children' he said.

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Paul, who is the ship's Public Relations Officer, and has been in contact with the Cornish Times on many occasions during the voyage, admitted that he had kept this piece of amazing news close to his chest. 'I wanted to surprise you' he laughed.

Paul's marriage to his wife Belinda took place during ten days leave in July when she joined him in Singapore. They decided to get married and they had two weddings, one civil, and one required by the government, in beautiful Bali.

Belinda was waiting to give her new husband a kiss as the ship docked and said 'it was heavenly' to have Paul back. Also waiting were his 11 year old daughter Tanya, and new family Hannah (11), Becky (9) and Samuel (8), along with his mother-in-law Barbara Jennings.

Liskeard's Michelle Sanders was also soon in the arms of her mum Cheryl Steed.

'It's brilliant to have her back, we've missed having her around so much' she said. But brother Sam chipped in that it was Michelle's mess he missed!

HMS Cornwall had dropped anchor in Cawsand Bay at 6am before the final leg of her epic journey, to allow time for the families, who had travelled from all parts of the UK, to arrive in Plymouth.

During this time there was huge excitement among all the crew at the thought of going home at last but all agreed they had had the experience of a lifetime. Reminiscences such as turning out in Cornwall's black and gold to play rugby in Oman at 5pm in 43 degrees was one of many!

Commanding Officer, Captain Tim McClement paid tribute to the work done by everyone on board.