A CABINET minister has paid tribute to RAF Valley personnel and their families and their role in the nation's defence during a visit to the Anglesey air base.

David Lidington, Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, toured the station and aircraft on Thursday.

His visit comes in a week of reported speculation that North Wales could be in the running to be the new home of the Red Arrows when their current base in Lincolnshire is to be sold off.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that RAF Scampton, home of the Red Arrows, will be sold by 2020.

The minister's visit also followed his earlier visit to the Royal Welsh Show with Prime Minister Theresa May.

RAF Valley is Anglesey’s second biggest employer, with 1,500 Service personnel, civil servants and contractors working at the station.

With the introduction of the Jupiter helicopter, a new fleet of Texan T6C aircraft, and further training programmes by early 2019, it is set to expand further.

David Lidington, who co-chairs the Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Board, heard from personnel and their families about what more the government can do to support them.

He said: “It is great to be at RAF Valley today to see the effort this important base makes to the defence of our country. All of the UK's four nations contribute enormously to the defence of our country, for which we are extremely grateful.

"Our security depends on those who are prepared to put their lives on the lines for us all. By focusing on them, and their families who sacrifice so much, we will ensure that the armed forces continue to play a leading role in protecting the United Kingdom.

“The new Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Board is ensuring the delivery of the first ever Armed Forces Families Strategy. As co-chair of the Board I am focusing on getting jobs for partners of personnel, making sure adequate childcare is available, and providing flexible welfare support.”

Group Captain Nick Tucker-Lowe, Station Commander RAF Valley, said: “RAF Valley has a great story to tell. Welcoming David Lidington, Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office to the Station today has been an opportunity for members of our team and the families who support us so well to bring that story to life.

“The Whole Force of military personnel, civil servants and industry partners at RAF Valley are very much a part of the fabric of life in Anglesey and across Wales. As the home of UK fighter pilot training, helicopter maritime training and the home of the RAF Mountain Rescue Service, we are also right at the heart of UK Defence.”