IT was the end of an era at RNAS Culdrose this week as the last Sea King helicopters to serve on the front line in an anti-submarine warfare role left the base for the final time.

The helicopters, which have given more than 30 years' service to the Royal Navy, have been involved in operations around the world, including the Falklands conflict, delivering humanitarian aid in flood-stricken Mozambique and in the recent Gulf War.

To commemorate the Sea Kings' departure, aircrew from 820 squadron carried out a ceremonial flypast over the Helston base on Tuesday.

The six aircraft then took a nostalgic trip around Cornwall, flying out over the Lizard peninsula, St Michael's Mount, Penzance, Falmouth and Truro and on to their new base at HMS Sultan in Gosport, Hampshire.

The squadron will now be re-equipped with Merlin helicopters and will re-dedicate as a front line squadron later in the year.

The commanding officer of 820, Cmdr Ian Fitter, said: "This is the end of a highly successful era in naval aviation.

"The Sea King helicopter has served the fleet well and in some ways it is sad to witness its departure from front line service. However, I believe the Merlin helicopter is a very worthy successor to this versatile and superb aircraft."

Commander Fitter, who is leaving Culdrose for a new posting in Portsmouth, handed over the "keys" of the squadron to his successor, Lt Cmdr Richard Dane.