Swansea has 'greatest' RAF century parade in Wales

A parade of more than 400 RAF personnel is taking place in Swansea to mark the centenary of the organisation and its long ties with the city.

RAF St Athan individuals and 200 air cadets are among those associated with Saturday's occasion which incorporates a fly-past.

The parade begins at around 11:50 BST after an administration at St Mary's Church.

The occasion had been year and a half in the arranging, as indicated by Squadron Leader Phil Flower, from 215 (City of Swansea) Squadron Air Training Corps.

He said it was the greatest centennial festival being arranged in Wales, despite the fact that Cardiff and associations in north Wales were likewise denoting the Royal Air Force's commemoration.

Individuals from the Queen's Color Squadron and RAF groups are likewise associated with Saturday's parade.

Ruler Mayor Phil Downing said the city had a long relationship with the RAF going back to World War Two when an air base was set up at Fairwood, which later progressed toward becoming Swansea Airport.

"It is a genuine respect to be a piece of such a notable event," he said.

RAF Fairwood Common wound up operational in 1941 aiding the air protection of south Wales, south west England and supporting guards in British waters.