THE vice-chairman of Odiham Parish Council has paid tribute to the four RAF Odiham-based servicemen killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

Captain Thomas Ellis Clarke, Corporal James Waters, Warrant Officer Class 2 Spencer Faulkner and Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Chauhan died when the Westland Lynx MK 9A helicopter they were travelling in crashed in the Kandahar province last weekend.

It's a tragedy that has moved the entire community and Councillor James Robinson-Giannasi, vice-chairman of Odiham Parish Council, paid tribute to the men at the beginning of the organisation’s meeting on Monday.

In a faltering voice, he said: “What we would like to put on record is the regret and sympathy of Odiham Parish Council regarding the terrible helicopter accident in Afghanistan and the loss of five service personnel, four of whom were based at RAF Odiham.

“Our greatest sympathies go to their families and everybody at the base.”