A reunion of air force veterans took place in the North-East yesterday.

Former air and ground crews of No 6 Royal Canadian Air Force bomber group marked their 60th anniversary.

For many of the former servicemen, who came from across the globe, it was a day of reflection and memories at the site of their wartime base, Croft aerodrome, near Darlington.

Some greeted each other for the first time in decades and reaffirmed friendships that were set aside long ago.

One man was reduced to tears after meeting a fellow veteran he had not seen in 60 years.

A memorial service, followed by the dedication of a plaque, was held to remember fallen comrades.

The plaque features the squadron's badges and a brief history of the Canadians' time at Croft, now a racing circuit.

A total of 2,500 sorties to bomb German cities were flown by crews stationed at the aerodrome, during which 500 Canadian airmen, from 431 and 434 squadrons, lost their lives.

The Halifax and Lancaster bombers played a key role in the defeat of the Nazis during the Second World War.

During bombing of Berlin, from August 1943 to January 1944, 431 squadron lost five Halifaxes, with 26 men killed and five taken prisoner.

Twelve Halifaxes were lost out of 434 squadron, 59 men were killed and 21 taken prisoner.

Former air force personnel gathered together for possibly the last time yesterday, at an event which took place with the help of the RAF.

More than 100 VIP guests, and hundreds of other people connected with the circuit and squadrons, attended the reunion.

A Lancaster bomber, one of only two that are still flying, flew over the veterans in a flypast.

Lesley Starkey, of Darlington and District Motor Club, which supported the event, said: "It was an absolutely brilliant day. The service was superb.

"There were a number of veterans from overseas at the reunion and they were all absolutely thrilled with the whole event.

"It was a very emotional day, particularly when the Lancaster bomber flew over. Many of the ex-servicemen had tears in their eyes.