Statue of second world war Wellington bomber pilot and his trusty spaniel unveiled at former RAF Newton

A statue dedicated to a village’s past history as a wartime air base has been unveiled, watched by a crowd of more than 400.

Sunday’s unveiling in Newton was the culmination of a 12-year community project and saw a statue of a Wellington bomber pilot, and his spaniel, unveiled at the former RAF Newton site.

Artist Tim O’Brien, from Bingham, who was behind the endeavour, said: “I am a local artist who drew the original concept design that has now been recreated by award-winning sculptor Tom Nicholls.”

More than 400 guests attended the commenoration.

Many veterans travelled from all over the UK to see their former airfield.

A parade of 100 personnel from the RAF Air Cadets, of which Mr O’Brien was once one, sparking his interest in RAF Newton and neighbouring RAF Syerston, and East Midlands Universities Air Squadron, led by a marching band, marked the occasion.

Built in 1939, Newton was assigned to No 1 Group in June 1940.

Newton then became a training base, and for the next five years between July 1941 and December 1946 No. 16 (Polish) Service Flying Training School provided basic and advanced training for Polish airmen serving with the RAF.