Two men who have given a combined century of service to the Royal Air Force have retired from their posts, having spent some 20 years working side-by-side at a Norfolk radar base.

Eastern Daily Press: Bob Brown and Steve Lay-Flurrie reflect on their military careers at RRH Neatishead as they reach retirement. Picture: Neil DidsburyBob Brown and Steve Lay-Flurrie reflect on their military careers at RRH Neatishead as they reach retirement. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

Steve Lay-Flurrie and Bob Brown enjoyed 22 years working together at Remote Radar Head Neatishead, Warrant Officer Lay-Flurrie most recently as detachment commander and Mr Brown as an area authorised person.

Last week, WO Lay Flurrie, 62, of Little Plumstead, was given the traditional RAF send-off - being carried of the base in full uniform after 45 years of rising through the ranks of the military organisation.

Joining the air force in May 1975 as a telegraphist, WO Lay-Flurrie had a range of different roles and bases, before relocating to RAF Neatishead in 1998, overseeing the downsizing of the base. He took on the role of detachment commander in 2012, a post he held until his retirement on Wednesday, January 29.

While this time saw him fulfil a variety of key roles linked with ensuring the British air space is kept safe and secure, he said his biggest joy was seeing improvements in the people he worked with through the years.

Eastern Daily Press: Saying goodbye to Neatishead. Steve Lay-Flurrie and Bob Brown have 100 years service in the military between them. Picture: Neil DidsburySaying goodbye to Neatishead. Steve Lay-Flurrie and Bob Brown have 100 years service in the military between them. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

He said: "My proudest moment came on my very last day of service. Over the years I have helped so many young people through the ranks and on my last day somebody I had not seen for a good few years approached me.

"He joined when he was young and to be honest was quite a troublesome lad to begin with, but I never gave up on him. He came to the presentation specifically to see me and told me that he had risen to the same rank as me - and thanked me for all the help I gave. Hearing that meant the world to me."

Mr Brown, 70, meanwhile, is retiring after 55 years of work, much of which saw him working at the radar base on behalf of a contractor called Amey.

He said: "Steve and I have become very close friends over the past 20 years, it's been a privilege working with him and keeping him on the straight and narrow. The proudest thing for me is knowing that our work is keeping so many people safe."

Eastern Daily Press: Fond memories. Bob Brown and Steve Lay-Flurrie call time on their careers at the RRH Neatishead base near Wroxham. Picture: Neil DidsburyFond memories. Bob Brown and Steve Lay-Flurrie call time on their careers at the RRH Neatishead base near Wroxham. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Remote Radar base at Neatishead where Bob Brown and Steve Lay-Flurrie are retiring from. Picture: Neil DidsburyThe Remote Radar base at Neatishead where Bob Brown and Steve Lay-Flurrie are retiring from. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)