The leading role of a Norfolk air base in the second Gulf War will be commemorated, on the 20th anniversary of the conflict.

Tornado jets from RAF Marham were among the first Coalition aircraft to take to the skies when the US and its allies invaded Iraq in March 2003.

Their part in the campaign - called Operation Telic - will be remembered at a special day of presentations, discussions, a film show and exhibitions at the base's Aviation Heritage Centre on Saturday.

Eastern Daily Press: F/O Pete Bielby and Wing Cdr Paddy Teakle (right) in the cockpit of a Gulf War Tornado jet F/O Pete Bielby and Wing Cdr Paddy Teakle (right) in the cockpit of a Gulf War Tornado jet (Image: Cpl Craig Fryer)

The now-retired aircraft from IX(B) Squadron attacked Saddam Hussein's air defences.

In the opening days of the conflict, a Marham jet was accidentally shot down by an American missile battery, killing pilot Flt Lt Kevin Main and navigator Flt Lt Dave Williams.

As Coalition troops closed in on Baghdad, Tornados provided close air support for units on the ground until the Iraqi capital fell on April 9.

Eastern Daily Press: Marham aircraft provided air support for Coalition ground troopsMarham aircraft provided air support for Coalition ground troops (Image: Ian Jones/Pool)

The Tornado entered service in 1979 and was first used in combat during the first Gulf War in 1991, before helping to enforce no-fly zones after the liberation of Kuwait.

The two-seater aircraft also saw service in other conflicts, including in Libya and Afghanistan.

Its onboard imaging systems could beam back live views of the battlefield, while its precision-guided weapons could attack with pinpoint accuracy.

Eastern Daily Press: A Tornado takes off from RAF MarhamA Tornado takes off from RAF Marham (Image: Ian Burt)

It was retired in March 2019. Marham is now the home of the RAF and Royal Navy's F-35 Lightning force of stealth fighters, while a Tornado stands as gate guardian at the entrance to the base.

The heritage centre will also be celebrating its 10th anniversary on Saturday.

Housed in a former chapel near the base's main gate, it contains models, memorabilia and exhibits featuring Marham's rich heritage, which dates back more than a century.

Eastern Daily Press: Inside the heritage centre at RAF MarhamInside the heritage centre at RAF Marham (Image: Chris Bishop)

Some 50,000 visitors have come to see its collection since it opened in 2013. It is open from 10am until 3pm on Saturday.