COMMUNITY representatives will be taking to the skies on simulated active service in an effort to improve links between the RAF and the community and encourage people from ethnic minorities to join up.

Those taking part are from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and will witness a combined air operation by the RAF tomorrow.

Members of the group, including three Wycombe district councillors, will be briefed at RAF Strike Command in Naphill and join an operation taking off from RAF Brize Norton, flying in either an E3-D Sentry Airborne Early Warning aircraft or a VC-10 air-to-air refuelling tanker.

They will then watch a mission involving 40 aircraft from the RAF, United States Air Force and French Air Force, carrying out offensive support, air defence and reconnaissance against simulated targets.

Chairman of Wycombe District Council Bill Jennings said: "So many people are unaware that we have such a vital element of the nation's defence on our doorstep. It will be interesting to see them in action.

"We actively support the RAF in their drive to recruit and integrate more people from the wider community."

Air Marshal Jock Stirrup, Deputy Commander in Chief of RAF Strike Command, said: "We place great importance on maintaining close links with the local community."