A SPECIAL service to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain will take place on Thursday.

The borough mayor, Councillor Anne Court, will hold the service at the War Memorial, in London Road, at 11am.

The service, which will include the laying of wreaths, will be led by RAF Association Chaplain Arthur Botham and members of the public are invited to attend.

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

RAF Association South East and Eastern Area President Air Marshal Sir Roger Austin will attend, along with Deputy Lieutenant Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Paul Luker.

The RAF Assn flag will fly from the flag pole during the service and there will be a reception afterwards in the Civic Offices for invited guests.

This year also marks the 70th Anniversary of Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), Basingstoke.

Cllr 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.