STAFF at RAF Odiham are celebrating after bosses at the Ministry of Defence said the future of the north Hampshire base is secure.

There were many smiling faces among personnel when the decision finally came through on Monday that the base was safe.

After a year-long review, the Ministry of Defence had to decide whether the base should close as part of a cost-cutting strategy.

Group Captain Mike Barter, RAF Odiham's commanding officer, said the MoD review had shown it was not viable on either operational or cost grounds to relocate the north Hampshire Chinook crews to Yeovilton.

The decision is good news for everyone who wanted the 1,600 personnel to remain at Odiham. It also safeguards the jobs of the 70 civilians employed at the base.

Grp Capt Barter said he was delighted the Chinook wing would be remaining in Odiham. "I have great affection for the place," he said. "I did not want Odiham to move."

Referring to response at the base to the MoD decision, he said: "The reaction was very positive. The majority of people here love this part of the world. This station has a long and rich history as a helicopter station."

He added: "What I really appreciated when this station was under threat of closure were the feelings of the local community.

"My colleagues and I have been overwhelmed by the strength of support."

Local MP James Arbuthnot a vocal campaigner for the base to stay in Odiham was delighted with the MoD decision.

He said: "I am glad they have made the right decision to keep the base where it is.

"They came to the same conclusion that I have maintained since the review started. It is not economically viable to move the base."

Chinooks from the base have proved an invaluable tool in international conflicts by transporting soldiers, equipment and food.

Two of the helicopters, plus 50 personnel, are currently supporting the War on Terror in Afghanistan from a base in Oman.