British ex-hostage Norman Kember reunited with his family Saturday in London, after asking for a period of privacy to reflect on his experience.

A day after returning to Britain, the 74-year-old participated in his church service he has attended for more than 40 years, singing hymns, greeting old friends, and listening attentively to the words of the minister, Rev Bob Gardiner.

The minister thanked the efforts and prayers of people of all faiths in securing Mr Kember's release, adding: "Our tears of sorrow have been changed into tears of joy."

During the service, the Kembers sat next to their friend John Newby. Mr Newby said Mr Kember was "fine" and would be "telling his story in due course".