FIFTY years after the end of the Second World War the RAF still had a barrage balloon unit - and it was in Wiltshire.

RAF Hullavington was home to part of the Balloon Operations Squadron, which was finally disbanded in 1995.

As well as flying training schools and maintenance units it housed, a parachute support unit that packed and looked after the military's parachutes. In 1992 the hangar where they were stored was destroyed in an arson attack that cost almost £20m.

The RAF station was closed in 1992 and the Ministry of Defence handed it over to the army. Since renamed Buckley Barracks, it is home to 9 Regt Royal Logistic Corps.

Several of the buildings are listed by English Heritage, including the officers' mess and several hangars.