THE family of a North-East airman,who lost his life towards the end of the Second World War, have paid an emotional visit to the tiny French village which still honours his bravery.

Nearly 60 years after Sergeant Robert Hudson was killed with six other men when his Lancaster bomber was shot down over Ugny-sur-Meuse, near Nancy, his 84-year-old sister attended a moving ceremony in their memory.

Sarah Jones and her daughter, Patricia Tricker, were warmly welcomed by the mayor of the small community after travelling across the Channel to witness the service which local people stage each year.

Sgt Hudson, an air gunner who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal just days before his death, is buried in the communal cemetery along with five other Britons and one Canadian.

Ms Tricker, of Crakehall, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, who first visited the area last year to see the grave and further research her uncle's wartime exploits, said it had been an overwhelming experience.

She said: "The local people hold a ceremony every year on VE Day and we were absolutely thrilled to be there.

"My mother found it very moving. He was her younger brother and she always said what a nice boy he was, so to go there after all these years was unbelievable."

Mrs Jones, who lives in Stockton, laid flowers at the grave and both she and her daughter stayed with the parents-in-law of Mayor Bernard Marchand.

Ms Tricker has collected photographs and documents relating to her uncle's distinguished career in the RAF, including a telegram signed by legendary wartime air commander Bomber Harris.

Sgt Hudson, who was 21 when he died, was returning from a successful mission in Germany when the Lancaster was shot down on April 27, 1944.

Ms Tricker said: "The Germans had wanted them to be buried in a mass grave, but the mayor of the time insisted there should be a proper burial. The people in the village have had this ceremony every year because they wanted to recognise the sacrifices that were made.