TO commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, members of every squadron were invited to meet the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

And among those who attended the event at London's RAF Club were eight former and current members of 609 (West Riding) Squadron, based at RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire.

The Queen spoke to all of them individually and was particularly interested to hear from the current members, who had all served in the Gulf region during the recent war.

Squadron Leader Brian Waite, who introduced the group to the Queen, said: "What a proud moment it was for the 609-ers to meet her on such an auspicious occasion.

"We uphold the traditions of our forefathers and it was most fitting that all eras were represented."