The Band of the Royal Air Force College performed and RAF Marham exercised its Freedom of the City by parading with bayonets fixed. The Spitfire toped off the event, circling high above the spire of St. Peter Mancroft Church.

Lord Mayor Marion Maxwell, who gave a speech at the parade from the steps of City Hall, saw a connection between the RAF's bravery during the Second World War and today, even as war itself changes and becomes more abstract.

'Now as then the need to establish 'Air Supremacy' is vital to any military untertaking. The first priority of the RAF is the 'Defence of the Homeland' but increasingly they are being tasked with supporting wars and conflicts abroad.

'No longer are the enemy in recognised uniforms and have resorted to roadside bombs and suicide missions. New technology and weapon delivery systems have enabled the RAF to strike at the heart of both conventional targets and terrorist centres with pinpoint accuracy which is helping to change the tide,' she said.

The Lord Mayor ended her speech by acknowledging the RAF Association, which depends solely on public donations and will be on the streets during Wings Day Collection this Saturday, September 17.

On Sunday there will be a public service at Norwich Cathedral, followed by another RAF Marham march and Spitfire flypast.