The Queen offered “heartfelt congratulations” to the Royal Air Force to mark its centenary.

It was 100 years ago on April 1 1918 that the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged to create the RAF.

A series of events were being held to mark the milestone, including a baton relay.

Aircraftsman Adam Wood, 16, is handed the baton by Royal Air Force veteran Air Commodore Charles Clarke outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Steven Paston/PA)
Aircraftsman Adam Wood, 16, is handed the baton by Royal Air Force veteran Air Commodore Charles Clarke outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Steven Paston/PA)
Aircraftsman Wood ahead of the Baton Relay Launch (Steven Paston/PA)
Aircraftsman Wood ahead of the Baton Relay Launch (Steven Paston/PA)
Guests inside the Royal Courts of Justice ahead of the Baton Relay Launch and First Leg (Steven Paston/PA)
Guests inside the Royal Courts of Justice ahead of the Baton Relay Launch and First Leg (Steven Paston/PA)
RAF centenary
Former Spitfire pilot Squadron Leader Allan Scott, 96, prepares to fly as a passenger in a Spitfire at Biggin Hill Airport in Kent (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
Former Spitfire pilot Squadron Leader Allan Scott takes to the skies (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
Squadron Leader Allan Scott takes to the skies (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
The Founders' Day Service at St Clement Danes Church in London (Steven Paston/PA)
The Founders’ Day Service at St Clement Danes Church in London (Steven Paston/PA)
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen John Hillier gave a reading at the Founders' Day Service (Steven Paston/PA)
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen John Hillier gave a reading at the Founders’ Day Service (Steven Paston/PA)