THERE was an emotional reunion on the Faslane quayside last week as a Navy mine-hunter based on the Clyde returned home after three years in the Gulf.

HMS Bangor and her crew of 40 Royal Navy sailors were given a rousing welcome from the dozens of family members, friends and loved-ones who gathered at the base to see her safely back home.

There were tears at the dockside as Able Seaman (Mine Warfare) Josh Bertman got down on one knee to propose to girlfriend Hazel Staunton who had travelled from Doncaster for the homecoming.

Josh, 22, who has been away for over eight months and has been planning the proposal since he left, was first off the ship as she tied-up alongside. His proposal took nine-months-pregnant Hazel, 21, completely by surprise.

“I couldn’t wait to see Josh as I was so excited for him to see the bump,” said Hazel. 

“He’s missed the scans while he’s been away but I have sent him the pictures. The nursery is almost ready, but his first job when he gets home is to build the cot!”

Lieutenant Commander Ben Evans, commanding officer of HMS Bangor, said: “It’s been a long but very enjoyable deployment and I am extremely proud of my crew.”