A Tornado squadron based at RAF Marham is to be disbanded as part of the government's defence review.

The news came this afternoon in Strategic Defence and Security Review and will see the Norfolk-based XIII squadron and the RAF Lossiemouth-based 14 squadron disbanded. The squadron is one of four based at Marham.

A statement said: 'These Squadrons have been selected by the Air Force Board Standing Committee, taking into account operational commitments and the relative seniority of the Squadrons at each base. The Squadrons will be formally stood down on June 1.

'The disbandment of these Squadrons does not mean that their personnel will automatically be made redundant. In the short term they will be found alternative employment.

'The Royal Air Force anticipates that the majority will be found other permanent roles, although not necessarily in their current location.

'Those personnel working in areas which the Royal Air Force has identified as containing surplus will of course be able to apply for, and be considered for, redundancy, alongside exploring other options within the service.'

The news comes as campaigners await a decision on the future of RAF Marham. It is expected that either Marham or Lossiemouth will close.

The statement added: 'The choice of these squadrons in no way indicates the direction of ongoing basing discussions.'

The EDP-backed Make It Marham campaign saw 36,000 people sign a petition which was presented to prime minister David Cameron.

• For more on this story, see tomorrow's EDP.

• For more on this story, see tomorrow's EDP.