THE sight of marching RAF personnel will bring Wallingford to a standstill when they exercise their freedom of the town at a special parade.

RAF Benson received the Freedom of Wallingford in 1957.

One hundred and twenty personnel from the air station will march through the town centre, with drums beating, bayonets fixed and colours flying, on Wednesday, April 1.

The event, which begins at 11am, will also mark the 70th anniversary of the airfield.

Mayor Alec Hayton said: “I’m absolutely delighted. I shall be very proud to be there.

“It would be lovely to see the whole population out on the streets to cheer them.

“We have a very close relationship with RAF Benson and we are extremely proud of them. A lot of people who have been based there have gone on to live in Wallingford and I’m delighted they will be exercising their freedom to march through the town.”

Warrant Officer Mick Lindop said: “This will be the largest parade by RAF Benson personnel since 2001.

“We will have three squadron standards and three flights of airmen, led by the Central Band of the RAF.”