HUNDREDS of staff from helicopter base RAF Benson will march through Wallingford tomorrow to demonstrate their strong links with the town.

RAF Benson was granted the Freedom of the Borough in 1957 and last exercised its right to march through the town in 2009 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the base.

More than 3,000 people, including staff and their families are at the base, which is vital to the town’s economy.

After marching across Wallingford Bridge, about 200 RAF staff – including the Central Band of the Royal Air Force – will gather in the Market Place for a ceremony led by town mayor Ros Lester at 4.15pm.

A reception will then be held on The Kinecroft with a Puma helicopter expected to land there as part of the celebrations.

Town clerk Andrew Rogers said: “We are very proud that the RAF Benson staff will be in the town in their uniforms to exercise the Freedom.

“There’s no doubt that the base gives a boost to the local economy and traders in the town really appreciate having the base nearby.

“We are very proud to have the RAF here as part of our town.

“This could be one of the longest marches undertaken as part of a freedom parade, and there will be refreshments for the troops afterwards on The Kinecroft.”

Mr Rogers added: “If the weather is terrible we can switch the reception to the Regal Centre.”