THE Evenlode pub on the A40 last night became the site of a roadside vigil for the first cortege from Brize Norton for more than four years.

About 100 people gathered by the Eynsham pub as Sgt Weston’s body was driven from the RAF base to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The cortege passed the crowd at about 6.15pm.

Pamela Powell, 79, from Eynsham, who helped organise the gathering, said: “They are heroes and we feel compassion for their families.”

She said she would turn out for every repatriation, adding: “I would love this to be the next Wootton Bassett.”

Charles Bowles, 83, vice chairman of the Eynsham branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “I am pleased with the turn out as Wootton Bassett is a hard act to follow.

“Maybe in the future it could get bigger and bigger.”

Former RAF serviceman Vic Turner, 52, from Eynsham, said: “The people of Oxfordshire feel honoured to be able to take this on.”

Chef at the pub Lee Blayney said it was an honour to be associated with the event.