MILITARY pilots and aircrew from Scandinavia visited the birthplace of their unit, at Europe's biggest army base.

Members of 332 Squadron Royal Norwegian Air Force travelled to Marne Barracks, at Catterick.

Although now an army base, it was known as RAF Catterick when 332 Squadron was formed there, in January, 1942.

On its inception, the squadron was equipped with Spitfires, but now it flies F16s, and a formation of the jets staged a flypast over the base.

The squadron is currently taking part in the multi-national Nato exercise Clean Hunter, testing member nations' abilities to work together.

During the visit by the Norwegians, Major Aage Longva, Captain Olav Barmen, Captain Bjorn Sneas and Second Lieutenant Eirik Arnesen met Catterick Garrison's commander, Colonel Nick Gaskell, to exchange insignia.

Among those watching the flypast were thousands of students and school-leavers who attended an Army exhibition for schools' open day.