A SPECIAL memorial service to Canadian pilots who flew from North Yorkshire in the Second World War has been held.

Four Royal Canadian Airforce squadrons flew from RAF Skipton-on-Swale, near Thirsk, against the Nazi’s during the conflict.

The aircrews’ bravery was marked with a service at the disused airfield on Sunday, June 21, which included a Spitfire fly-past.

It was the idea of the Panton family, from Lincolnshire, who hold a memorial service to Christopher Panton who died flying on a bomber raid from the base in 1944.

Alan Charlton, a service organiser, said: "It went extremely well and was a very successful day and there was a big crowd there.

"The idea came from the Panton family who wanted to commemorate the Canadians who flew from the airfield too.

"Christopher Panton was killed on March 30 1944 and the family always hold a service for him and they decided to extend it to the Canadians."

Christopher Panton was part of a Halifax bomber crew at the base which took off on a disastrous raid on Nuremberg on March 30 1944.

Twelve Halifax bombers, many flown by Canadians, left Skipton-on-Swale to join hundreds of other aircraft but they were hit by enemy fighters.

All but one Halifax made it back to base the other blew up at 15,000ft and of the eight man crew five died and three were taken prisoner.

Amongst the dead was Christopher Panton and for the last 44-years his family have held a memorial to him.

The larger service on Sunday saw Air Commodore WG Gambold inspect a parade and there were various civil dignitaries were present.

A Spitfire performed a flypast and also present at the event was Jim Ermin who spent time in the Royal Canadian Airforce.

A concert was later held featuring an RAF Band, in Northallerton, to raise funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund.