About 120 British Territorial Army soldiers have returned to Northern Ireland after serving in Afghanistan.
The Royal Irish Regiment Second Battalion reservists escaped serious injury or death during their six-month deployment to Helmand Province.
They spent much of their time training the Afghan National Army at the main headquarters at Camp Bastion but were also engaged in fierce fighting with insurgents at a forward base.
Troops arrived by boat at about 6.30am this morning and travelled on to their various bases.
They were greeted by family and friends at Newtownabbey.
A homecoming parade is planned and the troops will receive medals marking their efforts.
