MILITARY equipment is being flown back to RAF Brize Norton from Afghanistan as forces begin to draw out.

Some items, including helicopters, are flown directly to the base near Carterton.

In one month, RAF logistics experts at Camp Bastion have helped transport more than 1,300 tonnes of heavy vehicles and equipment – the equivalent of more than 100 double decker buses.

Squadron Leader Simon Brown, of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, the unit responsible for running Camp Bastion's airfield, said: “We’re trying to squeeze more out of Bastion than ever before. It’s a big challenge.”

Camp Bastion is a staging post for vehicles and major equipment that are being returned to the UK.

RAF movement specialist Sergeant Shaun Walker said: “The job can be incredibly high pressure. The speed at which we need to work and the knowledge we need to do the job is incredible.

“I know that stuff wouldn’t make it back if I didn’t do my job properly.

"Each move through the Middle East is a big achievement. We’ve exceeded our targets for the last two moves, and that’s an incredibly rewarding feeling.”