IN 1940, following the evacuation from Dunkirk, all that stood between the advancing German army and an invasion of Britain's shores was the Royal Air Force.

The ensuing 'Battle of Britain' was one of the defining moments of the nation's history. Heroic sacrifices were made by the young men of Fighter Command who withstood the German onslaught during those summer months in 1940.

Winston Churchill said of them: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."

And on Sunday, the many, both young and old, turned out to commemorate "The Few" during Bury's annual Battle of Britain Parade.

Air Training Corps cadets, and those from the Sea and Army youth organisations, were joined by members of the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) and the Royal British Legion for the parade and church service at Bury Parish Church. Wreaths were also laid at the RAF memorial and a minute's silence was observed.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Councillor Wilf and Mrs Maureen Davison, and the Commanding Officer of the East Lancashire Wing, Wing Commander Roy Catterall, took the salute during the march past.