THERE was an air of surprise in Wootton Bassett yesterday after it was announced the town was to be given a royal seal of approval.

After Prime Minister David Cameron announced that the town was to become a Royal town, a prefix that is held by only two others in the country, all eyes were again on the residents who turn out time and time again to pay their respects to fallen military personnel.

Town mayor Mary Champion said: “This is a great honour for our community as the repatriations move away from Wootton Bassett.

“While we have never sought recognition for our simple act of respect, I am certain that this will serve to reinforce the pride and gratitude we feel for the members of our Armed Services, who will always be in our thoughts.”

The idea was originally mooted two years ago as part of an internet campaign calling for the town to receive some sort of recognition, but Steve Bucknell, the mayor of the time, said they did not expect anything in return.

But that didn’t stop well-wishers calling for Wootton Bassett to be honoured and, yesterday, there were still al least 50 Facebook groups, each with between hundreds and thousands of members, calling for the town to be given the accolade.

Once the Queen has conferred the title the town will be known as Royal Wootton Bassett.

Town councillors Chris and Audrey Wannell welcomed the announcement but said it was not a title the town ever sought.

“I think it’s a great honour for the town,” said Chris.

“It was the will of the people of the country.

“We in Wootton Bassett do not do what we do to seek any advantage – we do it to honour our soldiers who guard our freedom and to support the families.

“It was bestowed on us by the wish of the nation and also by her majesty the Queen. We will be remembered forever.”

Audrey said: “I think it’s fantastic but it’s not for one person, it is for the whole area.

“There are an awful lot of people who come from outside as well and it is just to show respect.”

Morris Baker, the president of the Wootton Bassett branch of the Royal British Legion and the organiser of the standard bearers on repatriation days, said their actions had been born out of common decency.

“It is a great honour but it was more the geographical location of the town that lent itself to us paying our respects to those coming through.”

Anne Bevis, the repatriation officer for the Wootton Bassett RBL, said it was a privilege the town should be proud of.

Wootton Bassett School headteacher George Croxford said the honour was well deserved.

“It is fantastic, a great honour for the town and fully justified,” he said.

“The whole town has supported repatriations and ensured fallen soldiers and their families were respected.”

Military repatriations through the town are due to come to an end in September when they will be transferred from RAF Lyneham to RAF Brize Norton.