'He's a bit of a mouth' - locals react to Vance visit

Vice President Vance used the trip to visit US Air Force Personnel at RAF Fairford

The vice president of the United States has been labelled "a bit of a mouth" after holidaying with his family in an English country manor this week.

JD Vance used the break in the peaceful Cotswolds to relax with his family, go fishing with the foreign Secretary and make the trip to RAF Fairford where US Air Force personnel are based.

The security that comes with having such a high-profile guest in the manor, plus Mr Vance's outspoken nature, has not gone down well with some residents.

"He's a bit of a mouth - to put it politely as possible," said Josh Packford.

"I think he thought he was going to be a bit more important than he really is," Mr Packford added.

The visit has meant a lot of changes to village life with road closures, ID checks and 20-vehicle motorcades

Resident Shelley Walsh said while some Americans might be pleased to see him, "I don't think the locals are too happy about the roads being closed."

JD Vance has been more outspoken than many other vice presidents since coming to office in January.

In February, he was seen to lead an attack on Ukraine's President Volodomyr Zelensky, in an extraordinary meeting in the Oval Office.

Moments like this have earned him a reputation that has not endeared him to some in the Cotswolds.

"A lot of people are not particularly keen on Trump unfortunately," said Danielle Swann.

"I think because of that a lot of people are going to see the vice president coming here as a bad thing."

Security has been extensive, with multiple roads and even footpaths closed

Not all residents were entirely negative about the visit.

"It's a shame he hasn't popped in to see us on the market today, he could've got some nice local produce to eat," said James Fallows, a market trader in Fairford.

Richard Bennett added: "He's probably doing a bit of fishing and a bit of golfing while he's here and I'm sure it's a total waste of taxpayers money but we'd make him welcome here as everyone does in the Cotswolds."

'This is a beautiful country'

Mr Vance also took the opportunity to meet members of the US military at RAF Fairford - where the United States Air Force's 501st Combat Support Wing and the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron are currently stationed.

During the visit, Vance was briefed on the base's capabilities and addressed personnel.

"I'm pretty jealous, this is a pretty fine duty station," he said to the assembled troops.

"This is a beautiful country - I've had some downtime with the family and we've had a very good time here in England - the United Kingdom is of course one of our great allies," he added.

"We are proud of the special relationship and we are proud to work together with our British friends right here at Fairford."

Mr Vance is expected to continue his holiday with a trip to Scotland.