CREWS from RAF Leeming have returned from a six-week operation where they policed the skies above the Baltic states.

A detachment from the base was stationed at the former Soviet Zokniai airforce base, near Siauliai in north-west Lithuania.

The Baltic countries became full members of Nato last year and requested that the alliance bolster their air forces with fighter aircraft to give them a credible air defence.

So far Belgium, Denmark and the UK have all contributed.

The crews from RAF Leeming also made a concerted effort to get out into the community during their time in Lithuania.

They visited a local English club and three secondary schools, playing football against a team of local journalists as well as a team made up of actors, musicians and Lithuanian celebrities.

Squadron Leader Martin Tinworth, one of the detachment commanders, said: "The detachment was well-received everywhere it went and a novelty to most.

"The detachment was considered a success not only operationally but also in managing to convey successfully the RAF's message of goodwill locally and across the Baltic states."