It was 'their finest hour' and the bravery of those who took part in the Battle of Britain in 1940 was commemorated in a poignant service at Norwich Cathedral.

A spitfire fly-past followed the thanksgiving service, which was arranged by the Royal Air Force Association to record the nation's gratitude for what was achieved during the darkest moments of the Second World War.

As well as acknowledging the terrible sacrifices made during that battle, today's service, led by The Very Reverend Jane Hedges, Dean of Norwich, also recognised the efforts of RAF servicemen and women who have served in other global conflicts.

The service included The Hymn For Airmen and readings from personnel at RAF Marham, along with a single trumpeter sounding The Last Post.

The Reverend (Group Captain) Nick Berry, the RAF's deputy chaplain-in-chief gave the address, in which he said the story of the pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain must not be forgotten.

He said: 'Their names are revered within the RAF and they appear in official histories of the battle. Some have written books about it themselves.

'They are the famous names, but this is also the story of those of whom there is no memory - the hundreds of engineers and technicians who kept the aircraft flying. Those who laboured to build new aircraft and those who operated the airfields.

'It was The Few who engaged the enemy, but they couldn't have done it without the many.' The Rev Berry added: 'They were truly standing against the power of evil to win a better future for us all.

'They did not see how the story turned out, but we did and it's our duty to make sure this legacy is never forgotten.'

Dignitaries at the service included The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Judith Lubbock, the city's Sheriff William Armstrong and Brenda Arthur, leader of Norwich City Council.