Golf Ball on the Hill lit up to mark RAF centenary

The radome, known locally as the Golf Ball on the Hill, is a prominent landmark on the outskirts of Alnwick, and is the perfect spot to use for RAF Boulmer to commemorate the 100th birthday of the service.

The dome was illuminated last night and will be lit up each evening, until midnight, until Wednesday.

On April 1, 1918, the RAF was formed as a separate service and is the oldest independent air force in the world. RAF Boulmer opened in 1953 and is home to the Air Surveillance and Control System and the RAF School of Aerospace Battle Management.

Station Commander, Group Captain Rich Jacob, who was on site for last night's official switch on, said: “The Royal Air Force’s centenary celebrations is the perfect platform for us to inspire the next generation of RAF personnel. The Brizlee Wood Radome is such an iconic part of the Northumberland landscape and hopefully this will give our community a different perspective on the dome."

RAF 100 will be celebrated across the country with many events being held. On July 10, there will be a parade, in London, on The Mall, and will include a flypast with up to 100 Aircraft flying over Buckingham Palace.