Residents gathered for a special Battle of Britain exhibition in Elm Park to mark the 78th anniversary of the battle during the Second World War.

The Hornchurch Aerodrome Historical Trust invited residents to attend a Battle of Britain Day Exhibition on Saturday, September 15 at the Air Training Depot in Woodlane.

President of the society, Chingford and Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith, Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez and vice president of the trust Brendan Finucane QC - who is the nephew of Brendan Finucane a famous fighter pilot who died during the Second World War - attended the event.

David Goldstein, 76, from Elm Park told the Recorder: “It was a great success. Many people came who were very interested in becoming members of the association.”

Romford Recorder: Event to remember the Battle of Britain, organised by the RAF Historical Society.at the Air Training Depot Elm Park. Lancaster bomber fly-past.Event to remember the Battle of Britain, organised by the RAF Historical Society.at the Air Training Depot Elm Park. Lancaster bomber fly-past. (Image: Archant)

Residents were able to see a Lancaster bomber flypast at around 3pm during the day, and there were also artefacts, Battle of Britain spitfires and German bombers on display in the ATC hut.

Terry Roberts, the vice chairman of the trust, said that the highlight of his day was being a passenger in the Tiger Moth that flew over the depot.

“It was fantastic. It was an open cockpit so it was very noisy and windy,” said Terry.

Romford Recorder: Event to remember the Battle of Britain, organised by the RAF Historical Society.at the Air Training Depot Elm Park. Lancaster bomber fly-past.Event to remember the Battle of Britain, organised by the RAF Historical Society.at the Air Training Depot Elm Park. Lancaster bomber fly-past. (Image: Archant)

“I didn’t feel safe for about the first five minutes, it was such an experience.”

The Tiger Moth was kindly provided by Daymns Hall Aerodrome in Upminster.