PLANS TO mark the centenary of the RAF have been announced at Wrexham Guildhall.

They include the RAF being awarded the Freedom of the County Borough on Wednesday, August 22 at a full meeting of the council with the public celebrations beginning the next day when a special plaque will be unveiled at the RAF memorial garden in Queen's Square and a flyover by a Hercules aircraft at 12noon.

The main celebrations will take place on Saturday, August 25 when Llwyn Isaf will host many free entertaining events including a Muster ceremony by RAF personnel including another flyover, this time by a Dakota aircraft, which carries the name of one of Wrexham's most famous war heroes, Flight Lieutenant David Lord, who was posthumously awarded a Victoria Cross while flying over Arnhem in 1944.

Armed Forces Champion, Cllr David Griffiths, said: “It is with great pride that we in Wrexham will mark the Freedom of the County Borough for the RAF in Wales and I know everyone will be supportive of the planned events.

"There’s something for everyone, veterans, serving forces, families, those interested in military history and of course those interested in the arts.

"There’s so much going on and many individuals to thank for bringing these events together and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their tireless commitment to ensuring the RAF in Wales are suitably commemorated for their service during this last 100 years."

Air Commodore Adrian Williams said the RAF in Wales is very pleased to accept the Freedom of the County Borough.

He said: "It is a huge honour and one which we will always appreciate.

"The fly over is particularly poignant, as it is the first time one has ever flown over Wrexham"

Other events taking place include an exhibition at Techniquest on Thursday, August 23, which will house displays about people from the town who have served the RAF with distinction, including Flight Lieutenant David Lord.