THE Royal Engineers are returning to RAF Leeming after the last unit was withdrawn following a strategic defence review in 1998.

Government ministers have responded to a request from the RAF for more Royal Engineers support during operations and have agreed to the formation of two further engineering field squadrons.

All RAF bases were asked to look at their land to see whether it would accommodate an air support field squadron.

Following the loss of 234 Field Squadron four years ago, Leeming found it had an area which, with some work, could house 10 Field Squadron.

Staff of the squadron are gradually moving into the base and the unit should be up to strength, with 170 personnel, by May next year.

The squadron will work anywhere in the world in support of the RAF and its possible tasks would include designing and building living accommodation, runway repairs, construction of aircraft hangars, water supplies, demolition of obstacles and mine clearance.