AN American pilot who joined the Canadian Air Force during the Second World War returned to the region at the weekend to visit his former base.

Joe Hartshorn, 79, was stationed at Middleton St George, near Darlington, from 1944 to 1945, from where he flew many missions across Germany in Lancaster bombers.

Born and bred in Massachusetts, in the US, he joined the Royal Canadian Airforce before America entered the war so he could join the war effort.

His squadron, known as Moose Squadron, was sent to Middleton St George, where it notably struck at the production sites of Germany's "buzz" bombs.

In recognition of his bravery, Mr Hartshorn was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by King George at a field investiture at station headquarters, now the Royal St George Hotel, at Teesside Airport.

Speaking from the Royal St George, Mr Hartshorn said: "I stayed for free where now I'm paying."

A retired geology professor, he was amazed how the area had developed and still holds great affection for the place.

"It's nice to visit places where you were as a young man. It's pure nostalgia."

His visit to the old station concluded a month-long trip to the UK, which included a reunion with his old flight engineer and visits to air museums across the country.

Mr Hartshornalso visited The Oaktree pub, in nearby Dinsdale, where he used to drink with his squadron.

"I remember it as being jammed to the rafters with noisy young men singing," he said.