THOUSANDS of people flocked to Yelverton last weekend, as celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the creation of RAF Harrowbeer took place.

The airfield was opened on August 15, 1941 and during the war saw servicemen from many nations fly out from the moorland base.

A memorial stone dedicated to the units and personnel based at RAF Harrowbeer was unveiled by the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust outside the Knightstone Tearooms — founder of the charity Kenneth Bannerman, who was at the ceremony, intends to erect 2,000 such memorials across the UK.

It is estimated that at least 8,000 people visited the airfield on the Sunday alone, to enjoy a variety of displays and exhibitions, which included the stirring sight of a fly-past by Spitfire and Hurricane planes. Unfortunately due to technical problems, the planned flight by a Lancaster could not take place.

On the airfield itself was a replica Hawker Hurricane which starred in the 1968 film Battle of Britain, plus a replica Spitfire complete with working Rolls Royce engine.

There were also a selection of military vehicles, memorabilia, music, refreshments and even a charity dog show.

There were re-enactment displays and demonstration flights by a Sea King helicopter from RAF Chivenor. Yelverton fire fighters were also present on the day, plus many re-enactment society members in full war-time costume, to add that historic flavour to the weekend.

Around 500 free Airfix kits were given away to the young and not so young, who were able to make up kits and paint them in a special marquee.

The event was staged by a small planning committee including members of Harrowbeer Interest Group and Archive and Michael Hayes, owner of Knightstone Tearooms. The building's tower was the airfield's original watch tower.

Michael said he was 'ecstatic' at the way the weekend went.

'It was a fantastic weekend, very emotional, but just fantastic — hopefully something people will remember for years to come.'