Armed Forces pay tribute to town

The parade includes a flypast by a Hercules

After turning out to pay their respects to others, the people of Wootton Bassett are to be honoured themselves.

The Wiltshire town is internationally famous for lining the streets to honour Britain's war dead.

It began in April 2007 as the coffins of servicemen and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan were brought along High Street after arriving at RAF Lyneham.

This weekend, the Armed forces will return the tribute with a parade and flypast from a Hercules aircraft.

In a letter the Head of the British Army, Sir Richard Dannett, said: "I am writing to express my sincere gratitude...

"In many respects, it is the things that cost nothing that are the ones that are the most important - a friendly greeting in the street, a prayer in church... But the gestures shown by the people of Wootton Bassett surpass these at every level."

The tradition began after a decision was taken to bring all service personnel war dead home to Britain through RAF Lyneham and Wootton Bassett.

Previously servicemen and women had been flown into both RAF Lyneham and RAF Brize Norton.

The parade is due to start at 1400 BST. Bands will then march into position, paying tribute to those who have given up time to honour others.