A SPECIAL service to pay tribute to dozens of airmen killed in an area dubbed the 'aircraft graveyard' has been ‘brought home’.

The 19th annual Aviation Day took place in Galgate, Barnard Castle, for the first time after the original location in Deerbolt Young Offenders Institute was sold to developers last year.

The memorial, which includes a large stone and flags, was moved to its new home, and has been hailed a success.

It is held to remember more than 100 men and women who have died in crashes in Teesdale - often caused by the topography of the North Pennines coupled with bad weather.

Barnard Castle Town Councillor John Yarker said: “When we were told that the land was being sold off to build houses it looked like it might have been the end for the service.

“It’s been going since 1996 and is an opportunity to commemorate the airmen who have lost their lives in the dale, both in war and peace.

“Now the memorial is in The Memorial Garden in Galgate, and it’s as though it has come home. It can stay there forever, it’s safe.”

Wednesday's (July 1) service was opened by The Vintage Pipers who performed before Town Mayor, Sandra Moorhouse led a ribbon cutting ceremony wreaths were laid at the foot of the memorial.

Members of the Royal Air Forces Association, Barnard Castle School and Barnard Castle Town Council also attended the service and commemorations continued with refreshments in the cricket club.

RSM Martyn Lewis from Barnard Castle School Combined Cadet Force said: “It’s always a real honour to be invited along to these events. Our cadets always enjoy being able to play their part on such occasions, something they are trained to do.”

Cllr Yarker added: “It has been absolutely tremendous today. To move the service further into the town has been a massive success for not only the town council but for the people who live here.

“There were a lot of people passing by who stopped to watch what was going on and you could really feel the emotion in the atmosphere.

“We did not expect this many people to turn out, it really has been fantastic. The service has been going since 1996 and I think it’s so important that we continue with it and keep it going to pay tribute.”