SECURITY was breached at one of the region’s major air bases twice in the last year, it has been revealed.

Unauthorised entries were made at RAF Leeming, near Bedale, on two occasions in 2015, according to Defence Minister Mark Lancaster.

They were among a total of 135 different unauthorised entries – including by drones and air balloons - to British military sites since 2009, with 2015 being the worst year with 44 breaches.

Ministry of Defence data for 2015 show one of the Royal Navy's major bases recorded the most unauthorised entries while the RAF's own drone base and army barracks across the country were also affected

The 44 breaches in 2015 have all been investigated by the military police, MoD police or civilian police, according to Mr Lancaster.

However he played down the incidents in a written response to MPs - telling them none of the breaches resulted in any "significant ramifications" for security.

The figures show there were eight breaches in 2009, 13 in 2010, 21 in 2011, 12 in 2012, 13 in 2013 and 24 in 2014. Failed attempts to access the sites without permission are not recorded.

He released a list of the sites affected in 2015 following a request from shadow defence secretary Emily Thornberry.

The list shows Portsmouth naval base recorded three incidents while RAF Leeming near Bedale had two incidents.

Although Leeming is no longer a fighter base it is currently home to 100 Squadron, equipped with Hawk jets, as well as 90 Signals Unit, a force protection wing and 34 RAF Regiment among others.

The other 39 sites that suffered from intruders include RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, where Britain's drone operations are conducted from, Devonport naval base and RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

Mr Lancaster, in his reply to Ms Thornberry, said of the 2015 data: "The figures for unauthorised entries to military bases include drones and air balloon flying at low altitude over military sites but do not include failed attempts at unauthorised access.

"None of these incidents resulted in any significant ramifications for defence security.

He added: "The Ministry of Defence treats all unauthorised entries very seriously.

"They are investigated to a level commensurate with their complexity and impact by military police, MoD police or local constabulary."