WATCHET became the only Somerset venue to be visited by a baton-carrying relay team marking the 100th anniversary of the RAF on Monday (April 23).

The visit came after local military historian Sara Summers had pointed out that the town had special links with the service.

As a result, over 100 people turned out on St George’s Day to welcome four RAF cycling club members who had pedalled with the commemorative baton from Weston-super-Mare

They were greeted by Watchet deputy mayor Cllr John Irven.

Then the baton was handed over by Sara and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Brigadier Tom Lang, to members of the RAF motocross motorcycle team for the leg across Exmoor to RAF Chivenor near Barnstaple.

The baton, made of materials used in past, present and future RAF aircraft, is being carried to 100 venues around the UK by RAF personnel, cadets, veterans and members of the service’s sporting bodies.

It has already been transported by horseback, parachuted from an aircraft and flown on a power-kite.

Sara, who organised the St George’s Day event, said she had been campaigning since February to get Watchet included in the 100 destinations: “I’m thrilled that Watchet got what it deserved – a place in a major RAF celebration.”

The event was also attended by members of West Somerset and Watchet councils, Watchet Royal British Legion chairman Fred Powis, the branch’s women’s section chairman Bernice Danby and chairman of Taunton RAFA, Alan Falconer.

The relay will end on July 10 at London’s Horseguards’ Parade.