RAF personnel paraded through the historic market place of Richmond on Friday, as they exercised their freedom of the town to mark the corps’ 75th anniversary.

Watched by hundreds of spectators in the town, personnel from 2 Force Protection Wing – incorporating 34 squadron RAF Regiment – paraded along Victoria Road and into Richmond market place on Friday morning.

In the square, a salute was taken by Richmond Mayor, Councillor Russell Lord and Force Protection Force Commander, Air Commodore Frank Clifford.

The event marked the 75th anniversary since the formation of the Royal Air Force Regiment.

Those taking part were from RAF Leeming, where several squadrons including 90 Signals Unit, 2 Force Protection Wing, No 34 Squadron RAF Regiment, No 609 (West Riding) RAF Auxiliary Squadron and the Joint Forward Air Controller Training and Standards Unit (JFACTSU) are resident.

RAF Leeming is the only Royal Air Force Fast Jet airfield between RAF Leuchars in Scotland and the airfields in Lincolnshire.

Richmond Town Council invited the national standard and association branches to parade their branch standards during the event.

The Royal Air Force Regiment is staging a series of events this year to celebrate three-quarters of a century, with events taking place across four continents and three oceans as members of the corps undertake training across the world.

They include sporting contests and an RAF Regiment Families’ Day at RAF Honington.

Events began earlier in the year, with a thanksgiving and commemoration service attended by more than 600 RAF personnel at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, when the 75th anniversary prayer candle was blessed and readings were given. The regiment has long-standing, close ties with Catterick and Richmond.

On Saturday the RAF Regiment Chapel is due to be re-dedicated at St Anne’s Church in Catterick, North Yorkshire, at 1pm. All serving, ex-RAF regiment members and guests are welcome.