Royal Wootton Bassett - title for town that comes to a halt to honour our fallen heroes

The town that inspired Britain by honouring our Afghan war dead is to be given royal status.

Wootton Bassett will be granted the prefix "Royal" to its name in recognition of the way local people unfailingly halted to pay respects to the coffins of soldiers killed in service.

The Prime Minister was announcing the news this afternoon in the Commons. David Cameron said last year: "I think we should recognise the incredible people of that town and what they're doing."

In a poignant twist, however, the sight of quiet tributes in what will become Royal Wootton Bassett is going to end. In a separate announcement, the Ministry of Defence said that repatriation flights will be switched from RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire to Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, which means the corteges will take a new route.

Wootton Bassett became synonymous with respect for the war dead after two old soldiers gave an impromptu salute to a passing military cortege in 2007. The practice spread as the sight of coffins passing through became more frequent. Soon the Wiltshire town began to come to a complete standstill whenever a fallen soldier passed through, with townsfolk often joined by grieving relatives of the dead.

Retired naval officer Bill Thomas wrote to the Queen asking if she would consider renaming the town Royal Wootton Bassett. However, some locals were uncomfortable with the idea and a medal was considered.

Defence Secretary Liam Fox thanked Wootton Bassett for its dignified displays. He said: "I would like to record publicly my thanks to the people of Wootton Bassett who have chosen to pay their respects in a unique and special way. It is such spontaneous public support that captures the spirit of the British people."

Mr Fox added: "I am certain that RAF Brize Norton will maintain the standard of solemnity, dignity and respect to our service personnel."