AN Army regiment which has provided air support for the Special Forces has been praised for its role in the community by an MP.

After visiting 9 Regiment Army Air Corps at its Dishforth Airfield base, near Thirsk, Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith said the 659, 669 and 672 Squadron soldiers' operations, which include a mission to recover a fallen Royal Marine colleague at Jugroom Fort, Afghanistan, were vital.

During a tour of the former RAF base, which was handed over to the Army in 1992, the MP was welcomed by Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Cook and heard about the regiment's work.

He said: “The work of the members of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps around the world is hugely important, from supporting our national security to providing aid and support to countries facing challenges around the world.

“It was good to hear directly from some of those based at Dishforth about the issues that are important to them and their families.

"I also took the opportunity to thank them for their work both as an important part of our local community and as an important part of our armed services who keep us safe in this country and around the world.”