A Shropshire soldier has enjoyed an emotional reunion with his family – including the son he has not seen since he was three days old.

Sean Taylor, 21, flew back to the UK from his regiment’s base at Paderborn, Germany, yesterday, after completing a six-month tour of Iraq.

Rifleman Taylor, part of the 5 Rifles regiment, said it was “brilliant” to be home and he was looking forward to spending time with new baby Callum, partner Karen Harvey, 29, and the rest of his family.

Callum was born while Rifleman Taylor was at home on two weeks’ rest and relaxation (R&R) leave in Shawbury three months ago.

The former Wakeman School pupil, who grew up in Shrewsbury and Shawbury, said he was looking forward to family outings and taking Callum shopping to buy him an Aston Villa strip.

“I came home for R&R and he came towards the end of it and I’ve been waiting three-and-a-half months to see him,” he said.

“Last time I saw him he was probably the length of my forearm, he couldn’t hold his head up. Karen has been sending me pictures while I was out there of his first smile and of him wearing a Manchester United top, which I wasn’t happy about.

“He has changed a lot. He’s a lot more aware. When I came home last night he woke up and smiled. He was just looking up at me and he wouldn’t go to sleep.”

Miss Harvey admitted it had been hard when her partner left to go back to Iraq, but friends and family had been “fantastic” – and said Callum took after his dad.