BENSON is to be decked out in bunting as the village prepares to salute its RAF heroes.

Servicemen and women from RAF Benson will parade through the village near Wallingford on Thursday, September 10, to mark their return from frontline duties in Iraq.

People from south Oxfordshire are being urged to join the celebrations and show their support for the air crews.

The homecoming parade will start at Benson Primary School at 11.30am, before winding its way along Oxford Road towards High Street.

Station commander, Group Captain Jonathan Burr, will take the salute when the parade reaches the village centre.

The Central Band of the Royal Air Force will accompany the march.

Wing Commander Steve Jackson, one of the event’s main organisers, said: “The station is keen to recognise the support provided by the local community over recent years while we have been heavily involved in operations overseas and are looking forward to the parade.

“We would be delighted to see our local community on the day."

Don Passey, chairman of the Benson branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “It will be a fitting tribute to those people returning home.

“I know it will mean a lot to those who have been in service that the people back home appreciate what they have been doing.”

Sue Cooper, clerk of Benson Parish Council, said: “We wanted to organise something that everybody could get involved with.

“RAF Benson is an important part of the community and the servicemen and women, and their families, deserve our support.”

Henley MP John Howell said: “It’s essential the people of Benson and south Oxfordshire welcome back these men and women, who have been serving in very difficult circumstances. It isn’t just for the benefit of those who have been serving.

“The parade will also show our appreciation for the families who have been left behind and can sometimes face a struggle.”

Benson’s county councillor Tony Crabbe said: “I think it’s a wonderful idea and it would be nice to see as many people as possible on the streets to welcome the crews back.”

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk