A SPECIAL service will be held this month by the borough’s Mayor to mark 75 years since the Battle of Britain.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Anne Court, will hold a service at Basingstoke War Memorial, in London Road, at 11am on Thursday, September 17 as part of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

During the service, which will be led by RAF Association Chaplain Arthur Botham, wreaths will be laid.

Members of the Festival of Choirs, led by Dai Ogborn, and Tadley Concert Brass, led by Paul Chapman, will also be supporting the event.

The RAF Association South East and Eastern Area president, Air Marshal Sir Roger Austin KCB AFC, will be attending on the day along with Deputy Lieutenant Air Vice Marshal Paul Luker CB OBE AFC DL.

During the service an RAF Association flag will be raised and there will be a reception for guests at the Civic Offices.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the Royal Air Force Association in Basingstoke.

Cllr Anne Court said: “This year we recognise that 75 years have passed since this country was saved from the Nazi invasion by the courage and bravery of the pilots, ground crew and controllers of Fighter Command.

"We should also use this as an occasion to recognise those who ensured that Spitfires and Hurricanes were being produced in our factories and those ground crew who supported the flying operations.”

For more information call the council on 01256 844844 or visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/mayor.