HEXHAM Abbey played host to a memorial service this week commemorating the Battle of Britain.

September 15 is designated as Battle of Britain Day, as that date in 1940 saw the Royal Air Force gain a decisive victory over the Luftwaffe in what was Nazi Germany’s largest daylight attack.

The service, led by Hexham’s new Rector, David Glover, was attended councillors including the town’s Mayor, Coun. Bob Hull, and county councillor Trevor Cessford.

Both the Mayor and Coun. Cessford laid wreaths, while a standard bearer was also present.

The Abbey is also home to a stained glass window that pays tribute to the RAF, presented by Hexham's Royal Air Force Association (RAFA).

Coun. Cessford explained that the service was different to usual due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: "It was quite strange. All the pews are marked off where you can and can't sit and we all had our face masks on.

"The standard came in first and then new Rector spoke and did some readings and some prayers.

"After that we went to the Sele and laid wreaths at the Cenotaph and had two minutes silence.

"We usually do that on a Sunday, but circumstances meant we couldn't do that this year."

The Battle of Britain was a major air campaign fought in the skies over the UK in 1940 and was the first battle in history fought entirely in the air.