Express reporter due home tomorrow

Yvonne Ridley is expected to fly back to Britain tomorrow.

She is returning for a party with her family, including her 9-year-old daughter Daisy.

The Sunday Express reporter was released by the Taliban yesterday.

A spokesman for Express Newspapers said: "We would anticipate that Yvonne will give a press conference towards the end of the week - probably Friday."

The freed journalist's sister, Gillian Jefferson, said: "We are having a huge celebration, Yvonne loves pink champagne, and we will be having plenty of that as soon as she gets home."

Gillian said her niece, Daisy, was excited by the thought of seeing her mother again.

She said today: "As soon as we hear of Yvonne's return and she is on her way, we will probably get Daisy over here. She is obviously dying to see her mother, she has missed her so very, very much."

Ms Ridley's parents, Allan and Joyce, had borne the strain of the last 10 days remarkably well, Gillian said.

"I would like to pay special thanks to my mum and dad. I cannot believe the strength, courage and determination of my mum," she said.

"Yvonne will be very proud.

"I am so delighted at the news. It is absolutely fantastic that my sister is safe."