The women slept and sheltered in tents

A total of 96 missiles were eventually housed there and the women protesters have been at Greenham Common ever since.

But on Tuesday - exactly 19 years to the day since the world-famous protest began - the last caravan will leave for good.

In 1991 the last of the missiles was flown back to the US but the protesters remained at the site to ensure it was handed back to the people.

In April the wire fences surrounding the base were symbolically removed and the site has now been returned to common land.

The protesters have set up a commemorative fund appeal to raise money to build a memorial on the site.

Fund spokeswoman, Sarah Hipperson, said: "I'm glad we can leave on a positive note and I feel this next stage is also historically important.

Cruise missiles leaving the Greenham Common Airbase

"We need to leave something there that will be a reminder to all peace-loving people.

"The name Greenham Common is synonymous to the resistance against nuclear weapons."

Greenham Common was originally requisitioned for use as an air base in 1941 and from 1968 onwards was occupied by the US Air Force.

It was finally sold to the Greenham Common Trust in 1997 and much of the land was then passed back to the local council.

A grand picnic will be held at the site on Tuesday to mark the final departure.