ROYAL Air Force personnel past and present joined forces to celebrate the 85th anniversary of one of its oldest operational squadrons.

In true RAF style, festivities at the Leeming air base began with a flypast by one Britain's most famous warplanes, the Lancaster, accompanied by Hawk trainers

100 Squadron used to fly the big four-engined bomber during the Second World War. Now, as a navigator training unit, it flies Hawks.

Wing Commander Mike Simpson presided over a dinner attended by 60 ex-squadron members and 40 current aircrew.

A service of thanksgiving was also held in the base church, St Bede's, and a full congregation joined in an act of remembrance for those who have lost their lives while serving with 100 Squadron since its formation, in 1917.

At a special family day which followed, Air Training Corps cadets from Northallerton pulled a Hawk aircraft along a 100-metre course and raised more than £150 for the RAF Benevolent fund.