FOUR RAF officers in full uniform were sworn at for parking their car on private land before a homecoming parade for troops returning from Afghanistan, it has emerged.

The officers, from RAF Leeming, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, had prior permission to park at Bedale Golf Club before making their way to the parade in the market town last month.

The Northern Echo understands the base's deputy station commander was among those confronted by an agitated man, who told the officers, in blunt terms, they were not welcome to park there.

The incident came to light at a meeting of Bedale town council this week.

Bedale mayor Amanda Coates said: "When a group of RAF officers went to park in the golf club, they were rudely spoken to by a man, who told them 'we do not want you - swear word - lot parking here'."

It is not clear whether the man, whose identity is unknown, has any connection to the golf club.

The parade, for members of 2 Force Protection Wing, who had recently returned from front-line duty in Afghanistan, was attended by thousands of people Coun Coates stressed that the incident had not spoiled what she described as a "fantastic" event.

In a letter to the town council, Squadron Leader Jeff Metcalfe, of RAF Leeming, said the day had been an "outstanding success".

He also sent a separate email to the town council, addressing the car park incident.

Referring to the email, Bedale town clerk Richard Howard said: "While the incident was very unpleasant, he [Sqn Ldr Metcalfe] does not wish it to cloud what was an otherwise very memorable day."

Gary Boothroyd, captain of the golf club, said there was sometimes issues with members of the public using the car park without permission.

He said arrangements had been made for RAF personnel to use the car park on the day of the parade.

"I regret this incident and would categorically say, as captain of the club, that we have every support for our military forces.

"We, as a club, disassociate ourselves with any individual who has given any kind of abuse to members of the armed forces."

Although the incident was not reported to police, Mr Boothroyd said informal investigations would be made and a letter of apology sent to RAF Leeming.

A spokeswoman for the base declined to comment.