Shropshire Spitfire tribute to air heroes

A Spitfire took to the Shropshire skies last night to kick off a weekend of events in the county to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Three World War Two veterans, including Distinguished Flying Cross winner John Trotman, visited RAF Shawbury to see a sunset flypast at 7pm by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The veterans joined some 350 military and civilian personnel of all ranks for a formal dinner in No 1 Hangar at the airbase.

Meanwhile, RAF Shawbury personnel, along with the Band of the RAF College Cranwell, were today due to march through Market Drayton after receiving the freedom of the town.

Tomorrow personnel from the airbase will attend services at churches in Shawbury, Little Drayton, Nesscliffe, Knighton, Llangollen, Ellesmere, Pradoe, Shifnal and Donnington.

There will also be a parade through Shrewsbury, which will form at the Guildhall before marching through the town from 10.15am to St Chad's Church for a Service of Commemoration at midday.

It will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in the Quarry at 1.05pm.

A 1940s hangar dance will take place at RAF Museum Cosford's Warplanes Hangar at 7pm with guests donning wartime costume.

By James Pugh