Hero's welcome for spy plane crew

The crew of the US spy plane have received a hero's welcome after finally landing on home soil.

The 21 men and 3 women were held for 12 days in China before touching down in Hawaii.

A huge cheer went up as the crew emerged from the military Boeing 737 blinking in the early light and grinning with relief.

They were greeted by a guard of honour and a small army of well-wishers and military officials holding 'Welcome Home' banners.

Dressed in green military fatigues and baseball caps they were led by Lt Osborne, pilot of the stricken US plane, who held the US Stars and Stripes under his arm.

A military band played as they shook hands are received pats on the back from top brass on the runway. A reunion with family and friends will take place on Sunday.

Their release came after President George W Bush said the US was "very sorry" for a Chinese fighter pilot's death and the plane landing in China without permission.

The crew watched the film, 'Men of Honour' during the flight from Hainan Island.

The crew will stay at Pearl Harbour naval base, Honolulu, for two days of briefings before returning to Whidbey Island, Washington.

Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral Craig Quigley said a team of psychologists, physicians, intelligence officers and other specialists had been on board to check on the crew's health and begin debriefings.