An afternoon of military splendour marked the end of more than 200 years of part of Swaffham's history.

A drumhead service and parade was held at Swaffham's Army Reserve Centre to signal the relocation of a flight of the 677 (Suffolk and Norfolk Yeomanry) Squadron, 6 Army Air Corps.

Around 20 soldiers are joining with their sister flight in Norwich, or their squadron headquarters in Bury St Edmunds, under government reforms announced last year.

A drumhead service, a military religious service, was followed by a short parade which saw soldiers march out of the Army Reserve Centre, on Sporle Road, for the final time.

Captain Chris Tate from 677 (Suffolk and Norfolk Yeomanry) Squadron, said: 'We've had guys here for more than 210 years so this really is the end of an era and a sad day in many ways.

'But the changes have been made as part of the army's restructuring plans and the army reserves needed to be shaped to meet future challenges.'

The relocation comes as

6 Regiment Army Air Corps doubles in size from two squadrons to four – two of which are based in and around East Anglia. The building will continue to be used by army cadets.

Formed in 2006, the regiment is an Army reserve unit that provides essential ground crew to regular Army Air Corps units to keep aircraft operational irrespective of the conditions.

The regiment has two squadrons based in Bury St Edmunds; the HQ and 677 Squadron with detachments in Norwich and Ipswich.

Saturday's service was attended by families and friends of the soldiers and dignitaries including Swaffham mayor Anne Thorp. Music was provided by The Band of the Parachute Regiment.

Captain Tate said: 'The day was very well supported by lots of people and it was a good send off.'

Anyone who would like to find out more about 6 Regiment Army Air Corps should phone 0845 6008080.

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