Staff at the Shropshire airbase where Prince William learned to fly helicopters today offered him their congratulations on the news that he is to marry Kate Middleton.

RAF Shawbury was where the prince graduated this year after completing his RAF search and rescue pilot training.

Community relations officer Squadron Leader Neil Hope said: “On behalf of everyone at the airbase we wish the couple a happy marriage and future together.”

Elsewhere in the county, Air Commodore Chris Green, station commander at RAF Cosford, said: “We wish His Royal Highness and his fiancee best wishes for their future life together.”

Telford & Wrekin Council leader Councillor Andrew Eade said: “A royal wedding is always a great piece of news and something that everyone can enjoy. I offer the couple my very best wishes for their future together.”

Councillor Malcolm Pate, chairman of Shropshire Council, said: “We’re abso-lutely delighted to hear the news and offer our congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton.”

Telford & Wrekin Council’s mayor Councillor Ian Fletcher said: “I hope it is a wonderful and successful day, both for them and for the country.”

Lord Lieutenant Algernon Heber-Percy said: “I know that everyone in Shropshire will join me in giving Prince William and Kate Middleton out warmest congratulations in this most exciting news.”

Parkash Singh Dhami, president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara temple in Hadley, said: “On behalf of the Sikh community in Telford, we wish the couple all the very best and congratulate them and their families on this joyous occasion.”

Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, said: “It’s lovely news and I’m delighted for them both.”

Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard said: “I wish him and his fiancee every blessing ahead of their wedding.”

The Right Reverend Alistair Magowan, Bishop of Ludlow, said: “We are delighted to hear the news and wish Prince William and his bride every future happiness.”

By Simon Hardy