Shropshire residents have backed the preparations for frontline operations in Afghanistan – despite facing the prospect of disrupted sleep as large helicopters fly overhead in the early hours of the morning.

People living in and around the north Shropshire village of Shawbury will have to adjust to the sound of Chinook helicopters flying to and from the nearby RAF base right up until 3am in the morning next week

RAF Shawbury and the Defence Helicopter Flying School are assisting with preparations for frontline operations when ex-students come back to the unit with No 18 Squadron, based at RAF Odiham.

Instead of worrying over sleepless nights, residents have supported the news, saying they are proud to have RAF personnel training in their village.

Pam Giles, a Shawbury resident, said: “I have lived in the village for a number of years and can honestly say the noise from the aircraft does not bother me anymore. You get used to it and instead of complaining about it people should be proud to have an airbase which trains the brave people fighting on our behalf on the front-line.

“If we didn’t have an airbase in Shawbury we wouldn’t have had the pleasure of seeing Prince Harry and William here.”

Gwyneth Jackson, former Shawbury resident who now lives in Hadnall, said: “People know an airbase is here and should expect to hear aircraft flying overhead.”

However, news of the overnight flying has been criticised by one resident who did not wish to be named. They fear an increase of noise from larger helicopters like Chinooks might be disruptive to people in the village.

The Squadron will be operating from the airbase from Monday to Friday including day and night flying. The helicopters will arrive tomorrow afternoon and operate from the unit from Monday morning. From Tuesday to Thursday they will also complete night flying until 3am each day.

Airbase officials say the three Chinook helicopters may be accompanied on part of the training by two Apache helicopters.

Spokesman from RAF Shawbury, Squadron Leader Neil Hope, said: “RAF Shawbury is pleased to be able to assist the squadron in ensuring it is ready for its deployment to Afghanistan.

“The deployment will be providing direct support to the ground operations by the 1st Royal Irish Regiment from Tern Hill, who will also be deploying to Afghanistan in the summer.”

By James Pugh