THE role of North Weald airfield in the Battle of Britain was remembered yesterday (Sunday).

A community fun day and fly-in attracted more than 1,000 visitors and a remembrance service was held in the village to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the battle.

Wreaths were laid in the churchyard of St Andrew's church by Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles and council chairmen among others, and the Epping Air Cadets and Royal British Legion branches were among those who took part in a memorial parade.

The airfield played an important role in the defence of London against the Nazis during the Second World War, with up to 3,000 military personnel there at times.