THREE airmen who died when their Wellington bomber crashed near Romsley have been remembered by villagers with the unveiling of a memorial plaque.

The two Canadians and one Yorkshireman were killed when their aircraft, which was on a night-time training exercise, crashed near the village.

Kenneth Wilson Fox, of Toronto, was 29, Sergeant George Firth, of Yorkshire, was 29 and pilot officer Stanley Clarkson Walker, also of Toronto, was 31 when he was killed.

A moving ceremony was held in their honour on Sunday (August 22) - 77 years ago to the day of the tragic crash, where the plaque was unveiled.

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The aircraft was travelling from its base at Bramcote near Nuneaton to St Kilda off the north west coast of Scotland when it crashed at 3.30am.

It crashed into fields close to the spot where the memorial ceremony took place on a public footpath that is part of the Romsley Penny Fields circular walk.

All three aircrew, two Canadians of the Royal Canadian Air Force and an Yorkshire Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve teacher, died.

David Powell, chairman of Romsley Parish Council gave details of the accident and named the three airmen, where they were buried and the epitaphs on their graves.

Stuart Smith, Parish Paths Warden unveiled the memorial plaque and the Last Post was played by Stephanie Cotterill of Rubery Marching Band followed by two minutes silence and then Reveille after which flowers were laid at the memorial.

Mr Powell said during the ceremony: "77 years on from this tragic accident, we place this memorial, not only to remember these fine men but in honour of all who serve for freedom and peace across the world.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old

"Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

"At the going down of the sun and in the morning

"We will remember them."

Further details of the ceremony and a video of proceedings can be found at https://romsleyparishcouncil.gov.uk/council-news/penny-fields-wellington-memorial/