MORE than 100 former servicemen and cadets marched though Basildon to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Royal Air Force.

Members of the Royal Air Force Association, British Legion, and Basildon and Wickford Air Training Corps marched along Rectory Road to a service in St Gabriel's Church.

The ceremony celebrated the 90th birthday of the Royal Air Force, which was formed on April 1, 1918, following the merger of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Services.

RAF veteran Norman Hiscock said: "We laid wreaths at the altar, as a mark of respect to the pilots and other airmen who have given their lives fighting for this country.

"It was also for all those who are still risking their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"However, this wasn't a solemn memorial service. It was supposed to celebrate all the fantastic achievements over the past 90 years.

"We are all incredibly proud to have been part of the Royal Air Force and it was great to take part in the celebration."

The marchers, who set off from the Royal British Legion's base, in Rectory Road, were led by the Southend Pipes and Drums Band.

Mr Hiscock, who worked in the radar office in East Germany while on national service with the RAF, from 1958 to 1960, said: "It was a really good turnout.

"I would say more than 100 people took part in the march, and about 200 people came along to the service.

"This country owes a lot to the Royal Air Force and it was good that people from across Basildon came out in force to support the celebrations."