Union Jacks waved and the brass band played as RAF Spadeadam was officially awarded Freedom of the Town of Brampton.

It was a proud moment for both RAF personnel and the people of the town, who turned out in force to watch the ceremony.

RAF Spadeadam opened in 1976 and has built strong links with Brampton ever since, with many servicemen and women settling in the area, marrying people from the town and starting families.

Now, Brampton Parish Council has decided to grant them the highest honour to mark the strong bond that has developed.

A ceremony in the town centre yesterday saw RAF Spadeadam personnel march through the town and take part in a freedom parade.

It was a glorious display, with people of all ages lining the streets to watch, waving flags and applauding the unit.

Among those watching was Kirsty Jones, of Brampton, whose husband Tony serves at RAF Spadeadam and was in the parade.

She was joined by their sons Lewis, seven, and Findlay, four.

"We are very proud to see him marching in our hometown. I'm so glad so many people turned out for it," she said.

The servicemen and women marched from William Howard School to the town centre, where they met local dignitaries.

Parish council chairman David Moorat read from a scroll, officially declaring the Freedom of the Town, while Lord-Lieutenant Claire Hensman - the Queen's representative in Cumbria - greeted each member.

Mr Moorat said: "Freedom of the Town is the highest honour that the town can confer upon a military unit.

"It is with great pride and pleasure that we in Brampton have agreed to make this award."

Wing Commander Ruari Henderson-Begg accepted the Freedom of the Town on behalf of RAF Spadeadam.

He spoke of the unit's close relationship with the town. "We are very grateful for the welcome that the town has always given.

"We have felt an integral part of the Brampton community.

"Our children go to school here, our families live and work in the town. We all accept this honour humbly and gratefully," he said.

Residents of Howard Court Care Home, many of whom have links to the armed forces, made a special trip into town to watch the parade, while two-year-old Charlotte McCreedy was there with her family to proudly watch her dad Peter lead the parade.