RAF Benson has been given a boost in the Government’s defence spending review.

It had been feared the South Oxfordshire base would feel the pinch of Whitehall’s cost-cutting across the armed forces However, it looks as if the base’s fleet of Puma helicopters are set to receive investment and will not be shifted from Benson.

There was also been no mention of moving the Merlin helicopters to another home.

Meanwhile, David Cameron has insisted the coalition is protecting Britain's future security as he confirmed deep cuts to the armed forces.

The Prime Minister said the Ministry of Defence's budget would fall eight per cent in real terms by 2015, with army numbers dropping 7,000 and navy 5,000 over the same period.

The Nimrod aircraft programme will be cancelled and there will be fewer frigates and destroyers - but two aircraft carriers will be built.

Unveiling the results of the strategic defence and security review, the Prime Minister said it was "not simply a cost saving exercise", even though money was tight.

"This review sets out a step change in the way we protect this country's security interests," he added.