PICTURES: Red Arrows mark spectacular centenary at RAF Shawbury

His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent GCVO visited RAF Shawbury as part of the base's event to mark 100 years of Number Sixty (Reserve) Squadron.

The celebration also introduced the 202 Squadron Standard into the Defence Helicopter Flying School – a unit which had previously been the Search & Rescue Training Unit.

It was formally numbered 202 yesterday as part of the school and will become the maritime and mountains training element.

Meanwhile, the ceremony also saw a number of pilots in the school graduate.

Speaking at the event, Prince Michael said: "I congratulate you on your centenary and to 202 on becoming part of the DHFS.

"You are the new ambassadors for the RAF and for the country.

"You have a fine history behind you and you should be proud of your achievement, and mindful of the responsibility you hold for the future.

"Good luck, and God speed."

The RAF event included a display from some of the school's helicopters showing search and rescue techniques, securing a landing and different manoeuvres in the air.

The Red Arrows performed for the crowd, before the RAF Typhoon made a short display.

Wing Commander Harry Palmer said the event also marked his last day with the airforce.

He said: "Sixty Squadron has been a big part of my life.

"I achieved my Wings here as a baby pilot and came back in command of the Squadron. It is a very busy place and it is a great tri-services environment.

"The skills that they learn here really do save lives.

"The product that comes out of here is fabulous.

"They go on to do amazing things. These are all my brothers and sisters, these guys getting their badges are just joining the family."

Sixty Squadron – which formed on May 1 1916 – was part of the Great War, played a role in the Far East during the Second World War and took part in secret monitoring of Russian forces throughout the Cold War.

Its association with helicopters began in 1992 when it was re-formed at RAF Benson in the support helicopter role.

Five years later is was re-formed again as part of the DHFS where it continues to operate the Griffin.

One of its recent graduates was HRH Prince William.

Graduate Anthony Hamshaw, 28, became one of the stars of yesterday's event after winning three awards during the ceremony.

The trophies were presented to him by Prince Michael, and came as a surprise to him.

He said: "It has been really good, but quite overwhelming.

"We didn't know who was going to win the prizes before they were given out. I won the prize for the highest aggregate scores in terms of flying, highest scores for navigation and the member who most embodied the spirit of the squadron.

"It was amazing, but I'm not really sure I deserve them.

"Prince Michael was brilliant. By the third time I went up he told me I would have to extend my mantelpiece."

Wing Commander Palmer said: "To have a squadron survive past 100 years is a rare event in our modern world."

Squadron leader, officer commanding the Sixty Squadron Phil Wylde said: "It is an incredible achievement and a massive milestone for the squadron.

"It has such a distinguished history so to mark it in such a way is fantastic for us.

"I am honoured to command a squadron with such an illustrious history and heritage. It is a privilege to lead a team of dedicated and professional personnel who deliver world leading pilot and rear crew helicopter training for all three services.

"I am very proud of all the squadron has achieved over the past century and today, providing trained aircrew to the frontline Support Helicopter Force."

Squadron Leader Andy McGreevy, Officer Commanding 202 (Reserve) Squadron said: "It means a great deal for all of us on the former search and rescue training unit to be allocated such a historic number plate.

"We have a vital role to play within UK defence, and 202 (Reserve) Squadron has an exciting and challenging future ahead."