Servicemen and women from RNAS Culdrose who recently returned from active service in the Gulf were among those taking part in the annual Freedom Parade in Helston last week.

Personnel from three deployed squadrons, and from the Culdrose-based Royal Fleet Auxiliary Naval Support Unit, marched alongside their colleagues as the air station exercised its traditional right to the freedom of the town.

The parade formed up in the Trengrouse Way car park, where Helston mayor and former Royal Navy serviceman Nick Martin carried out an inspection of the various platoons.

Mr Martin, who himself led the Freedom Parade back in 1982, opened his ensuing speech with a tribute to the air station's role during the Iraq conflict.

"Can I begin by saying that in light of recent events in the Gulf and the extra burden that it placed on Culdrose, how proud we in Helston were of what you achieved.

"Full credit to those of you who went, but also to those that remained and gave 110 per cent support.

"Be proud as you march through Helston - you deserve to be."

In response, Culdrose commanding officer Captain Mike Knowles spoke about the history of the air station, and looked ahead to a bright future.

He highlighted the successful introduction of two "world-beating" helicopters - the Merlin and the Sea King Mk7 - and paid tribute to the station's search and rescue squadron, which was recently awarded the Wilkinson Sword of Peace for its good works.

He said: "Much has changed since the Fleet Air Arm first came to The Lizard, but what has remained constant are the strong ties which bind Culdrose and your town - links which the 3,000 service and civilian personnel who work at the station cherish deeply and which I know will continue to flourish."

Townspeople came out on to the streets to watch the parade, led by the HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band, make its way through the town followed by a selection of the station's specialist airfield vehicles.

Helicopters from the squadrons deployed in the Gulf made a ceremonial flypast as the mayor and Captain Knowles took the salute in Coinagehall Street.