TODAY will see the end of a chapter in Army aviation history in the north.

Four Army Lynx Helicopters will take their final flight from Dishforth airbase today, with a tour of Yorkshire before they are retired from the service.

The MK9A helicopters are part of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps (9 AAC), and will fly in formation around several landmarks in a tribute to Yorkshire, taking in towns and cities including Harrogate, Ripon, Pateley Bridge, Leyburn and York, as well as the Kilburn White Horse and York Minster.

Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Cook is the commanding officer of 9 AAAC, and said the final flight would be poignant and emotional.

He said: "The final flight from Dishforth marks both the end of my time commanding 9 AAC, and the end of the Regiment at Dishforth. It’s a hugely significant occasion for all of us, with most having established close and lasting links with the local area.

"Yorkshire is a county that we view as home and it will be missed by all who have served here."

The aircraft will be crewed by the last remaining aircrew at Dishforth, commanded by Lt Col Cook, before they head south to the home of the Army Air Corps at Middle Wallop in Hampshire, flying past other army aviation units and London on the way.

The camp and airfield at Dishforth will be handed over to a ground unit, 6 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, later this summer, and the last remaining Army Air Corps personnel posted to various locations around the UK.

In April, a parade was held at Dishforth to mark the end of an era for the Army in the north, attended by Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Barry Dodd, CBE, which also saw a flypast by Army helicopters including the Lynx and an Apache Attack helicopter.