T WAS a joy to see hundreds of well-wishers line the streets of Wallingford yesterday as personnel from RAF Benson exercised their right to march through the town.

The sun-kissed celebrations formed part of several events to mark the base’s 70th anniversary. RAF Benson was granted the Freedom of Wallingford in 1957 and it is clear that strong links have been forged with the community in the years since.

The same can be said of Carterton and RAF Brize Norton.

In fact, all of Oxfordshire can be justly proud of its strong military links — and the way its people honour the forces based here.