A FITTING tribute to the courage and dedication of women who served their country during World War Two was honoured by a leading aviation museum this week.

Forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn sent a message of support to the scores of women who were at the Yorkshire Air Museum to see their contribution to the World War Two effort recognised with the unveiling of a unique statue and memorial garden.

As flypasts by women pilots took place overhead, members of every branch of the air services gathered to remember past heroes and praise the work of those who continue to serve today.

It was another major step forward for the campaign to honour the role of women in the defence of the realm.

Rachel Semlyen, one of the founders of the museum, based at Elvington, near York, praised the adventurous women whom she said had been intrepid fliers since the First World War.

"This garden, however, reminds us that the war in the air could only have been carried out with support from those on the ground - women and men. It's marvellous that the idea for a women's memorial came from the men at the museum," she said.

Grace Wilson, a former Women's Royal Air Force member at Elvington, and Wing Commander Stephanie Johnston, Station Commander at RAF Digby, unveiled a propeller from a Wellington bomber, which crashed into the North Sea during the Second World War.

The twisted metal forms the new statue situated in the memorial garden.

Rose trees and plaques now represent each branch of the air services in which women serve - the Women's Royal Air Force, Women's Auxiliary Air Force, Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), Royal Naval Air Service, Army Air Corps, Royal Observer Corps and Royal Air Force.