MEMBERS of the armed forces gathered this evening for a reception at the Judges Lodgings in Aylesbury.

The reception was put on to recognise the efforts and achievements of those that had served abroad.

Many personnel had gone over to support units already established in various locations overseas and had not come back as one large group.

Therefore, it had been difficult to hold an event to welcome them home previously.

There were a number of representatives from RAF High Wycombe who had served in various countries ranging from Sudan to Iraq.

Among the guests who spoke were Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant and Brigadier Miles Wade, CBE who said the armed forces were "doing a magnificent job".

He said "Our thoughts today are with those still serving but for those who are here tonight I'm sure we all agree it's great to come home."

Pauline Wilkinson, chairman of Buckinghamshire County Council talked of the county's pride and was glad to be able to acknowledge their dedication and hard work with the event.