A RELIEVED Bridgwater dad received the best birthday present he could have hoped for after his marine son returned from duty in war-torn Afghanistan.

Michael Thomas got in touch with the Mercury to tell of his pride of his 22-year-old Gary who arrived back on April 16 - just one day before his father's 49th celebrations.

Michael said he was so pleased he had got home safely from ongoing problems in the area.

"I am just so glad to have him back, thank God he is back," he said.

"You are on tenterhooks all the time, I am very proud of him and just so pleased he is home safe."