THE 60th anniversary of The Battle of Britain struck a chord with Malvern people, as a congregation of around 120 joined a commemorative service.

Members of the Malvern Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association and the 1017 (Malvern) Squadron of the Air Training Squadron, together with the Standards of both organisations, were present at Sunday's service at Christ Church, Avenue Road.

The address was given by Brian Jenkins and the readers included Air Commodore Brian Opie, president of the Midland area of RAFA, and Flt Sgt Joanne Hoare, of the ATC.

The event was especially poignant as it will be the last special service to mark The Battle of Britain in Malvern.

The services have been organised on behalf of RAFA's Malvern branch by retired RAF Group Capt. Ronald Leppard for around 15 years.

The 79-year-old said the 60th anniversary provided the means to "go out on a high".

But he added: "We must keep this in front of the younger generation and I think we will have to find some way of doing that. I don't see why there can't be a Sunday set aside when prayers are said."

Recognition of the 60th anniversary provided a larger than usual congregation for the service.

Music was provided by the Malvern Hills District Brass Band and Standards were dipped for both the Last Post and the National Anthem.