Commemoration events are being held across the region over the next week to mark the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

In Norwich on Monday there will be a parade by personnel from RAF Marham, who will be exercising their Freedom of the City by marching with bayonets fixed, and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force at 11.30am outside the City Hall. A Spitfire flypast is planned for 12pm.

The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Judith Lubbock, who will formally start the commemorations, said: 'I hope the people of Norwich will come together and join us to honour the sacrifice of those who fought so bravely in the decisive battle on September 15, 1940.

'It will also be a time to remember those who still serve our country today in more recent and current conflicts.'

A public service will take place at Norwich Cathedral on Sunday, September 21 at 11am followed by a march past from servicemen and woman of RAF Marham.

The Deputy Lord Lieutenant and Lord Mayor will take the salute in the Cathedral grounds to coincide with a Spitfire flypast at 12.10pm.

The RAF Marham station commander, Group Captain Harvey Smyth, said: 'It is a great honour for the servicemen and women of RAF Marham to open Battle of Britain Week by parading in Norwich.

'The warm welcome that we always receive from the people of the city makes this a very special event.'

Street collections will be held in the City on Saturday, September 20 by the Royal Air Force Association Wings Appeal, which gives help and support to serving and former members of the RAF and their families in times of need.

Nick Bunting, the RAF Association's secretary-general, has spoken of the importance of holding these parades.

He said: 'Many members of the RAF have given their lives in defence of our country, including during the Battle of Britain.

'It is important that these sacrifices are never forgotten and the RAF Association is proud to be involved in the commemoration events in Norwich.'

In the event of severe weather on Monday, the marching parade will be cancelled and a small service will take place in St Peter Mancroft Church. Public seating will be limited.

Are you having an event to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Britain? Contact newsdesk@archant.co.uk with details.

• OTHER COMMEMORATIONS TAKING PLACE

DEREHAM: On Saturday, September 20 the town will be holding a Battle of Britain Memorial Dance, at the Memorial Hall on Norwich Street, from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. There will be music and dance from the 1940s and people are encouraged to dress from the era. For more information, visit derehamaircadets.org or email oc.1249@aircadets.org

On Sunday, September 21 the Dereham and Swaffham branch of the RAF Association will be holding its annual Battle of Britain parade and memorial service in Dereham. Starting at the Cherry Tree car park at 11am, the parade, headed by local RAFA standards and the Dereham Band, will make its way to the war memorial, through the market place to a service at St Nicholas Church at 11.15am. There will be a spitfire flypast at 11:50am (weather permitting).

BECCLES: A church service at St Benet's Minister Roman Catholic Church, Beccles, will take place at 3pm on Sunday, September 21. This will be followed by a parade through the town centre. Senior officers, civic leaders, including mayors and county councillors from five north Suffolk towns will be attending in addition to members of the Royal British Legion and local veteran groups.

There is also expected to be a contingent from RAF Honington and the USAF honour guard from RAF Mildenhall taking part.