AIRMEN celebrated 100 years of serving in the Number 47 Squadron yesterday as they performed a special anniversary parade for a Royal visitor.

The Squadron at RAF Brize Norton celebrated its centenary, and paraded with The RAF's Central Band in front of friends, family and HRH The Princess Royal.

Past and present members of the Squadron were invited to the event, including one of the Squadron's oldest 'old boys', 97-year-old Thomas Taylor.

Mr Taylor, who was a member of Number 47 Squadron in February 1939, said: "I'm so proud to be here, and pleased as punch.

"It feels very special today."

Number 47 Squadron first came into being on March 1916 in North Yorkshire and was created out of a need to defend the city of Hull from raising enemy airships during the First World War.

In 2011 it moved from RAF Lyneham to RAF Brize Norton where it provides highly trained crews and staff to support the Ministry of Defence.

Group Captain Simon Edwards said of the milestone occasion: "Today was a really important day for the station, and in particular Number 47 Squadron.

"It was 100 years ago today that the Squadron was formed in the First World War and today they are still as capable as ever.

"We are very proud to be able to celebrate the success of the Squadron, particularly in the presence of HRH Princess Anne."

Princess Anne, who is Honorary Air Commodore to RAF Brize Norton, met various personnel and watched the Squadron's parade, before saying a few words of our own.

She said: "Thank you once again for inviting me to give a speech for this special day for Number 47 Squadron and the Royal Air Force.

"The squadron has been involved in nearly every military operation in the UK, and during all these occasions the Squadron is often the first one in and the last one out.

"However they would have achieved nothing without all those who supported them.

"I would like to express my gratitude to all of them. We will indeed look into the future. I'm sure there are many more highlights and challenges to come.

"I congratulate you on your centenary and wish you every success on future endeavours."