More than 2,000 veterans and invited guests gathered at the base

More than 2,000 veterans and invited guests gathered at the base to watch a final parade by 600 personnel.

In addition, three of the RAF's most well known planes, a Tornado, a Harrier and a Jaguar, flew in tribute.

Although the base will not close until later in the year, the activities marked the departure of the resident Jaguars to their new base in Lincs.

A series of formal ceremonies also marked the move of 6 Squadron to RAF Coningsby and the receipt of a new standard.

RAF Coltishall - motto Aggressive in Defence - was built in 1939

The day's ceremonies also commemorated the 66 years of flying from the base and the handing over of the 41(Fighter) Squadron standard to the Fast Jet and Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit.

This will become 41(Reserve) Squadron which will also be based at Coningsby.

The RAF had also planned flights by a Spitfire and Hurricane - but officials said high winds made it unsafe for the vintage aircraft to take off.

The Ministry of Defence announced that the base would close in 2004 - as part of large-scale cuts in the armed forces.

RAF Coltishall - motto Aggressive in Defence - was built in 1939 and became a fighter station the following year.