County officials hailed the announcement of the release of Shropshire’s Faye Turney and her 14 colleagues as “fantastic news”.

The news was greeted with celebration across the county after the Iranian president Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinehjad announced this afternoon that the 15 sailors and marines were to be “pardoned and freed” as a “gift” to the United Kingdom.

Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, who has followed Mrs Turney’s progress closely since they were taken hostage 13 days ago, said today: “It is fantastic news.

“I am delighted and very pleased for the parents of my constituent. We are looking forward to them being back in England as soon as possible.”

Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council leader Peter Nutting said: “That is brilliant news. The sooner she gets home the better.”

Jodie East, a friend of Mrs Turney from Meole Brace Secondary School, said today: “I nearly dropped my phone when I heard. It is just great that she is coming home. She is still the tough girl I knew at school.”

Shrewsbury mayor Councillor Roger Evans said: “I am pleased that Faye and her colleagues in the Armed Services are being able to return back to their ship and obviously my thoughts are with their family and them during this time.”

Robin Hooper, Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council chief executive, said: “When the soldiers were arrested I asked all Iranians in Shropshire to contact their Government to get them freed. Nobody needs to know who they are, but I would like to publicly thank them.”

Barry Hale, of the Whitchurch branch of the Light Infantry Regimental Association, said: “Common sense has prevailed and people got down and talked rather than the alternatives.”

Aileen Parry, of Welshpool, who served in the Army Cadets with Faye, said: “I’m over the moon with the news. I found out when I put Sky News on. I ran outside immediately and told the neighbours. They are all extremely pleased. What a great Easter gift for all the families involved.”

Meanwhile, the family of Royal Marine Adam Sperry hailed the announcement of the release of the hostages as “the best present imaginable”.

His uncle, Ray Cooper, a market trader, said the return of Marine Sperry, 22, would be marked with a party at his local pub in Aylestone, Leicester.

“The one thing I wanted was Adam’s safe return to his family for Easter.

“Whoever has been in the right or wrong, the whole thing has been a political mess, so let’s just get them home. It’s great.”

Celebrations were also under way in Hayle, Cornwall, the home town of 21-year-old Nathan Summers.

Family friend John Daniels, landlord of the town’s Cornish Arms pub, said today: “I am glad it has all been settled quickly, but I just hope they do not change their mind.”

By Sarah Bullock