PERSONNEL from RAF Leeming commemorated aircrew who fought in the Battle of Britain with a poignant ceremony.

Accompanied by the RAF Regiment band, the airmen and women marched through the centre of Ripon on Sunday.

RAF Leeming had been granted honorary Freedom of the City of Ripon by Ripon City Council lead by the mayor, Councillor Pauline McHardy in 2015.

Residents clapped and cheered as personnel paraded on to the market square.

The parade followed a moving service in Ripon’s Spa Gardens, hosted every year by the local branch of the Royal Air Forces Association to commemorate the aircrew from 16 nations who formed the Fighter Command battle for the skies against the Luftwaffe in the summer of 1940.

Group Captain David Arthurton said: “The service this morning was a chance to reflect on the achievements of our forebears and pay the respects that are due. The Battle of Britain is something that goes through every airman’s thinking. It was central to our history and shaped so much what we do today.

“The parade is a celebration of our Freedom of Ripon, and we are proud to exercise that. We have many people living in the local area and we enjoy engaging with the local community so that people understand what RAF Leeming does today – delivering air effect on operations for the Royal Air Force.”

Cllr McHardy said: “I think it was wonderful. It’s very, very important that we continue in these traditions and commemorate those who fought in the Battle of Britain – we have a lot to thank them for. Servicemen and women come into the community, settle and contribute to the local community. I was very pleased to award the Freedom of the city when I was mayor two years ago. It was well-deserved.”