WAR heroes who took to the skies from Kirmington 65 years ago were honoured by villagers as young and old joined together to pay their lasting respects.

Air Cadets from Immingham created a guard of honour outside St Helen's Church as proud veterans from the 166 Squadron went on the march one last time at an event designed to bring back memories of fallen comrades.

A poignant church service was followed by a wreath laying ceremony as residents lined the street to honour the sacrifices made by the 921 brave men who travelled to the village from all over the country to join the aerial assault against the Nazis towards the end of the Second World War.

One of the last surviving Lancaster bombers soared overhead as 866 (Immingham) Squadron Air Cadet Wing Commander Tony Lark thanked villagers for turning up in their droves to support the memorial event.

He said: "We have been supporting this event since 1980 and it is testament to the esteem the 166 Squadron is held in that so many people have turned out this year.

"We have 22 cadets and those at the memorial attended voluntarily to ensure things went smoothly. Every year we try to organise for the Lancaster bomber to fly overhead and the weather was ideal for it this time around."

A crowd gathered around the village memorial garden as a young bugler performed the last post amid misty-eyed veterans who were once stationed at RAF Kirmington, which is now Humberside Airport.

St Helen's vicar Felicity Couch, who oversaw proceedings during the service, said: "It was a fantastic turnout and everyone seemed to really get involved and take a lot out of the event.

"I think the young cadets did a very professional job."

Meanwhile, RAF veterans from the region have been invited to join a monthly social group for ex-servicemen at the Ancholme Inn in Brigg.

Organiser Brian Emerson, who is also secretary of the National Service RAF Association, Lincolnshire branch, said: "We are always happy to support the veterans in any way we can.

"Our group has 80 members and we are always ready to welcome others.

"We meet at the pub on the third Wednesday of every month at noon."