A REPLICA Hawker Hurricane was on display in Durham’s Market Place at the weekend as part of the city’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

It was the type of aircraft flown during an epic day of the battle by No 607 (County of Durham) Squadron, RAuxAF, then based at RAF Usworth, near Sunderland.

The event, organised by the City of Durham Parish Council and Durham Markets Company, included a special exhibition by local artist Denis Fox depicting events on August 15, 1940, when the Luftwaffe attacked the North-East. It became known by the Germans as Black Thursday, because of the losses they suffered.

Also present at the event were Air Vice Marshal Ranald Munro, Commandant General of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, Wing Commander Mike Shuttleworth, Officer Commanding No.607 (County of Durham) Squadron, together with members of the 607 Squadron, now based at RAF Leeming.

Members of the squadron also attended a special memorial service in Durham Cathedral, led by The Reverend Canon Michael Hampel in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon. Invited guests included Fred Carter of the No 607 Squadron Association and Libby Smyth, the daughter of Flight Lieutenant Francis Blackadder DSO, who fought with distinction during the Battle of Britain.