A D-Day-themed fundraiser raised £7,000 for the “valuable work” of two local charities.

The Essex Royal British Legion and Essex & Herts Air Ambulance were presented with cheques yesterday after September’s community day at North Weald Airfield.

Around 4,000 people attended North Weald community funday which followed the theme of remembering D-Day, which took place 70 years ago.

The airfield, which played a major role in the D-Day landing, entertained crowds with a fly past from the Battle of Britain Memorial Fight Spitfire and Hurricane, Cold-War Vampires, the airfield’s Hawker Hunter and Jet Provosts as well as a display of an array of static aircrafts.

Ticket’s cost £5 to enter and Russell Smith, manager at Weald Aviation said: “I’m absolutely delighted we raised £7,000 for these two wonderful charities.

“It will help them to carry out the valuable work they do in the local community.”

Cllr Tony Boyce, chairman of Epping Forest District Council said he was honoured to meet veterans, "our local heroes”, on the day.