THE days of the Second World War and the Cold War will be recalled when Croome Court holds its RAF Defford Heritage Day on Saturday, July 9.

Aircraft exhibits, re-enactors, singers, vintage costumes, art exhibitions, market stalls and more will fill the former RAF site near Pershore, with a fly-past by the Spitfire and Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight over the parkland expected to provide a highlight.

RAF Defford was a secret Second World War airbase within Croome's parkland where war-winning airborne radar was developed, tested and flown for the RAF, Fleet Air Arm and the US Air Forces continuing into the Cold War year

"Our annual RAF Defford event is always hugely popular," said Becky Wilks, Croome's event officer. "There are so many interesting exhibits to see and I'm particularly looking forward to seeing the Lightning jet fighter cockpit and forward section on display which will help tell the fascinating history of RAF Defford."

There will be displays and exhibits around Croome's visitor centre, which was once RAF Defford's sick quarters and has been painstakingly restored by the National Trust. Visitors can also explore RAF Defford Museum which includes a Canberra bomber forward fuselage and cockpit.

"During the Second World War and the Cold War years that followed, Defford airfield in Croome Park was one of the most secret places in this country,” said Dr Bob Shaw, chairman of the Defford Airfield Heritage Group. “Now the veil of secrecy is being lifted. By 1945, up to 3,000 men and women were serving at RAF Defford. This is their story."

Singer Jayne Darling who will entertain everyone with nostalgic tunes throughout the day, and Bertha, Croome's restored 1941 YMCA Tea Car, will be serving drinks and snacks

There will also be Michael Barnard's aviation paintings and as well as RAF and Royal Navy re-enactors.

Gates open from 10am until 5pm with free parking and free admission to many of the displays.