AFTER 28 years in the RAF, Warrant Officer Bob Hutchinson has carried out the last inspection of his base in style.

Administrative wing personnel at RAF Leeming ensured his return to Civvy Street was one to remember.

WO Hutchinson, who has served twice at RAF Leeming as Station Warrant Officer, was taken around the base standing in the bucket of a Field Squadron excavator.

The inspection took him past the medical centre, the airfield and 100 Hawk Squadron, as well as the RAF Regiment Flight, before finally moving on to the Coppice Gate to take leave of the station and the RAF.

At the gate a 16-man guard of honour from 34 Squadron RAF Regiment fired a single shot salute, RAF Leeming's senior executive officers gave him a salute and two Hawks performed a fly past. Finally Station Commander Group Captain Andy Walton proposed a champagne toast.

WO Hutchinson joined up in 1966 as an RAF Regiment gunner. He transferred to administration in 1989 and was promoted to Warrant Officer in 1991.

He served as Station Warrant Officer at St Athan in South Wales, Leeming and Akrotiri in Cyprus.

His final tour was again at RAF Leeming where he was awarded the MBE in 1997. Throughout his service he has also received two Commander in Chief's Commendation and one Air Officer Commanding in Chief's Commendation.

He has retired to Darlington with his wife, Rosalind, and daughter Amy.