During that time three bodyguards captured alongside him, Jason Swindlehurst, Jason Cresswell and Alex MacLachlan, were killed.

The fate of another bodyguard, Alan McMenemy remains unclear.

Just how bad his living conditions were is also as yet unknown publicly. A grainy video, released in 2008, could only hint at his physical and psychological well-being Now back in Britain after a deal to see him released was sealed last Wednesday, Mr Moore faces a stark change.

After a slow transition, he will no doubt be meeting with his family and friends and enjoying joyous reunions.

But once the dust settles, how does he return to "reality"?

And how does he come to terms with the fate of his colleagues?

Terry Waite, perhaps the UK's best known hostage, was held captive in Beirut for almost five years, the first four of which were spent in total solitary confinement.

He was subjected to regular beatings and interrogations and at times, his captors would hold him down with a pillow over his head as the soles of his feet were beaten.

"Peter may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder," Mr Waite said.

"But from all accounts and listening to his father, he is a very stable and resilient chap.

"It will be important for him to get his story and what has happened to him out of his system to a trained listener at the earliest opportunity so that he can come to terms with what has happened and so that it will not return to haunt him at a later date.

"I would also say to him to get his media interview out of the way, which will also help him come to terms with it."

Mr Moore has yet to speak to the media, but has released a statement via the Foreign Office.

"I am obviously delighted to have returned to the UK and to have been reunited with my family," he said.

"I am looking forward to spending the coming days and weeks catching up on all the things I've missed over the past two and a half years."

Some members of Mr Moore's family have also been speaking out about their happiness at his return. His mother, Avril Sweeney, lives in Thornton.

But interviews are now on hold. Mr Moore and his family have called for time and space.

Pyschologists have also been analysing the situation. Wendy Askam, lecturer in criminal and forensic psychology at Blackpool and The Fylde College, teaches students about the mental effects of being a hostage as part of foundation degree and degree courses in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

She said Mr Moore faced a long road back.

"It is really difficult," she said. "The best thing to do is to do everything very, very slowly. Everything moves on so much."

She also said Mr Moore may experience a condition called John Wayne Syndrome, feelings of guilt when others die while you survive.

"It's a condition that can build up and build up," Wendy said. "It could be a problem for him.

"Freed hostages can fall into depression and face problems like drinking and drug taking too and the anxiety they felt while they are hostages can return. They can also experience post traumatic stress disorder.

"Professional help is important and his family may need counselling, too, to help them cope."

Other hostages have also been speaking out in support of Mr Moore.

Norman Kember was a Christian peace activist who was also held captive in Iraq in 2005/06, spent 119 days in the hands of a group calling itself the Swords of Righteousness Brigade.

He said he was well-treated by his captors but his colleague, American quaker Tom Fox, was executed.

His advice for Mr Moore was to put pen to paper. "I would advise him to have a go at writing a book to get it out of his system," Mr Kember said.

The 77-year-old added: "People have very different ways of coping with very traumatic events."

Since their release Mr Kember and Mr Waite have had a widespread impact.
Mr Kember published a book – Hostage in Iraq – in 2007 and Mr Waite did the same, writing much of Taken On Trust, while in captivity.

While Mr Kember continued his work in campaigning against war, Mr Waite became a renowned lecturer, writer and broadcaster.

He also co-founded Y Care International, an international charity linked to the YMCA, and Hostage UK, an organisation designed to give support to the families of hostages.

The success story of Mr Waite and Mr Kember's road back to normality is, one would think, a template to follow.

"Suffering is part of the human condition but most cases of suffering can be turned around and used constructively," Mr Waite concluded. "Some good can come out of the situation as long as it is handled properly."

joe.robinson@blackpoolgazette.co.uk