RAF Fairford celebrated its 75th anniversary last Friday with a Heritage Day held in one of the large hangars on the base.

Around 500 people – local dignitaries, former staff members from the airbase and representatives from local clubs and organisations – were invited to share this special occasion.

RAF Fairford has a rich and varied history with ties to both the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force.

It has played a vital role to both Concorde and the Red Arrows.

Privately owned static aircraft flew in at no cost and each one represented a chapter in RAF Fairford's long history.

There were also displays and exhibitions by a wealth of air-related groups and the British-American Committee.

Four huge cakes had been made for the occasion and were cut by Lt Col Joe Knothe and Squadron Leader Jayne Robertson.