A MISSION to support the Caribbean following the devastation of Hurricane Irma is nearing its end.

One of the final aircraft involved in Operation Ruman returned to RAF Brize Norton tonight – with another due back in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Crews were celebrating a safe return after about five weeks of delivering vital aid and transport facilities to the British Virgin Islands.

Station commander Tim Jones said the operation would define the Oxfordshire base for years to come.

He said: “The conditions out there sounded horrendous, but what was heartening to hear was how the support and aid that was being delivered was starting to have an effect.

“What we’re seeing now is the early stages of the islands getting back on their feet.”

IMAGE: An Airbus A400M Atlas returns to RAF Brize Norton

For more on this story go to: http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/news/15590612.Mission_to_support_devastated_Caribbean_nears_end_as_aircraft_returns_to_RAF_Brize_Norton/