RAF Brize Norton personnel starred in a 'top secret' music video to bring separated loved ones closer together this Valentine's Day.

Members of the air force and Royal Navy teamed up with Armed Forces charity SSAFA for a special rendition of Bruno Mars’ hit song ‘Just the Way You Are’ ahead of the most romantic day of the year.

Within its first 24 hours, the video racked up more than 7,500 views in a nod to the thousands of military families living apart.

The West Oxfordshire air base, the largest in the UK, provided the backdrop for some sections of the video, which features members of the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, 815 Naval Air Squadron, 99 Squadron, RAF Fire fighters, engineers and other ‘brave recruits'.

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Among those was Sergeant Paul Caufield, who works in engineering operations at Brize and is used to spending time away from home.

He said: “I jumped at the chance to send a special Valentine’s Day message to my wife and three beautiful daughters as it’s a real family occasion for us.

"I’m grateful to not be away this year – but I’m hoping this video makes up for all the other special moments I’ve missed in the past. 

“As childhood sweethearts and me being in the RAF since school, there have been many times I’ve been away from home, four months being the longest.

Oxford Mail:

"Time can really drag sometimes, and I’ve felt helpless knowing my wife is looking after the entire family at home alone.”

“It’s always tough being away from home and apart from my wife and children, but especially so on days like Valentine’s Day when you’re surrounded by chatter about love.

"My wife will probably roll her eyes and cringe at the sight of my dance moves, but I don’t mind. As long as it gets a laugh and a smile from her, I’m happy.”

Also featured is flight lieutenant Kurt Baldwin, a C-17 pilot based at Brize Norton, who proposed to his wife on Valentine’s Day in 2012.

He said:“It’s always tough being away from home and apart from my wife and children, but especially so on days like Valentine’s Day when you’re surrounded by chatter about love.

"My wife will probably roll her eyes and cringe at the sight of my dance moves, but I don’t mind. As long as it gets a laugh and a smile from her, I’m happy.”