THE skies above the district came to life on Sunday as military aircraft from yesteryear flew in to celebrate North Weald Airfield's proud 90-year history.

Thousands flocked to the base for an open day featuring a rousing fly-past by a Hurricane and a Spitfire from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team.

Young families rubbed shoulders with war veterans during a day of nostalgia which marked the airfield's crucial role in helping to defend the country since it opened in 1916.

Wing Commander Tom F "Ginger" Neil DFC was the guest of honour at a ceremony in which pipers played as a full-size model of a Hawker Hurricane aircraft was unveiled for the first time to the public.

It was a replica of the one he flew from North Weald Airfield 62 times during the Battle of Britain in 1940, and Mr Neil said it brought back many "poignant memories."

"This airfield has been crucial to defending these shores, and the people of North Weald should be very proud of that," he told the Guardian.

The model plane will be mounted in a flying position as a Gate Guardian at the airfields's entrance later this year.

The show also featured a classic car show and stalls from community groups including the North Weald and Ongar branch of the RAF Assocation, and money raised from admissions will go towards the funding the installation of the Gate Guardian.

To sponsor the Hawker Hurricane Gate Guardian Project, call Darren Goodey on 01992 564501.