Paul and Rachel Chandler have arrived back home today
- 13 months after they were kidnapped by pirates.

The couple boarded a plane from the Kenyan capital of Nairobi
yesterday to return to the UK.

On Monday, KentOnline told how Tunbridge Wells celebrated
after word spread of their release.

Residents of the town spoke of their joy after it was
revealed the couple are preparing to return home.

Tunbridge Wells United Reformed Church member Carol Christian
said the congretation's prayers had been answered.

"It was announced during our service they had been released and
there was a spontaneous cheer!" she added.

Kathy Falloon, who has run Bryant's Newsagents for 46
years, was also overjoyed by the news.

"I'm so pleased they are home - it is a lovely thought isn't it
that they will be home for Christmas," she said.

And Jacqueline Charlton, 70, said: "I am surprised, it was out
of the blue. Initially the feeling was relief and then I just
felt great joy.

"When they were in captivity my imagination was telling me the
worst so getting the news yesterday was just fantastic."

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The couple appeared to be in good health as Paul, 60, told
reporters: "We're fine, we're rather skinny and bony but we're
fine."

A ransom of up to £600,000 has reportedly been paid to the
pirates to secure the release.

Paul and Rachel were on their way to Kenya on Sunday night after
being taken to the Somali capital Mogadishu.

At a short press conference at the presidential palace in
Mogadishu, Mrs Chandler, 56, said: "We are among decent
everyday people, with Somali people... and not with the criminals.
To home now, with our family and friends."

Asked if he felt their lives had been in danger while being held
hostage, Paul said the couple did not suffer serious physical
harm but revealed they were beaten once.

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