Final landing for Wessex helicopters

The helicopters have arrived at RAF Shawbury

A fleet of helicopters known as the "Queen of the Skies" has flown in to Shropshire to retire.

A special fly-past was held at RAF Shawbury to mark the end of the Wessex helicopter after almost 40 years in Royal Airforce service in the UK.

Ten aircraft from the 72 Squadron flew in to the Shropshire base in formation.

Squadron Leader Martin Locke of RAF Shawbury said: "It's probably the most successful and universally-liked helicopter throughout the whole of the flying world.

Rescue operations

"Everybody who's flown it has loved it.

"It's known as the Queen of the Skies."

The Wessex has been in service since 1963.

In its 39-year lifespan, it has served in Northern Ireland and the Falklands.

It has also been used in maritime and land search and rescue operations.

The last 10 helicopters are now in hangars in RAF Shawbury, where some will be used to provide spare parts for the last few remaining aircraft in Cyprus.

Some may also be sold to other airforces.

Wing Commander Andy McCauley, who led the fly-past, told BBC Radio Shropshire: "Basically it's eventually reached retirement age.

"It's effectively come to the end of its recreational life."

A variety of helicopters, including the Puma and the Griffin, have been gradually replacing the Wessex over the years.

But Squadron Leader Locke said: "The Wessex was loved for its reliability, its predicability and its ruggedness.

"It's been a very sad day - a very emotional occasion."