BOYS at Aysgarth Preparatory School, Bedale, got a first-hand account of Hitler's attempted invasion of Britain when they met a Battle of Britain pilot.

Clive Hilken, formerly of 74 Squadron, joined RAF Leeming commander John Cliffe to present a plaque to the school in honour of six ex-pupils who fought in the battle.

Mr Hilken, of Richmond, was shot down in the battle and became a prisoner of war until 1945.

Relatives of Aysgarth's Battle of Britain heroes attended the 60th anniversary ceremony. The plaque was produced by the Battle of Britain Historical Society.

Headteacher John Hodgkinson said: "We are proud to have been associated with the education of these brave young pilots.

"The plaque will remind us of how much we all owe to them and their colleagues.