In video and pictures: Dudley commemorates the Battle of Britain
Hundreds of people stood in solemn tribute as the sacrifice of those who fought in the Battle of Britain were remembered in Dudley.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the pivotal fight in the skies above Britain in the Second World War.
And with the anniversary being marked across the country, Dudley's annual Battle of Britain thanksgiving commemoration took on greater significance today.
Veterans, RAF members and the Air Training Corps paraded ahead of the service at St Thomas and St Luke Church, known as Top Church, in High Street.
Around 130 Air Cadets marched through the town centre creating a spectacle for hundreds of people gathered to line the streets and attend the services.
The cadets came from eight squadrons in the Black Country including Stourbridge, Halesowen and West Bromwich - marking the best attendance in recent memory.
The service has held in the church before the cadets led a parade back through the town to take a salute from dignitaries on the steps of Dudley Council House.
Cadets then lined up in front of Dudley's cenotaph before the Last Post signalled a two minute silence and wreath laying ceremony.
Among the speakers was John Deane, aged 78, of Maygrove Road, Kingswinford, who joined the RAF in 1955.
He served in Iraq and Cyprus during his national service from 1955-57, and now works with Air Training Corps inspiring young people across the borough.
He is also member of the Dudley branch of the RAF Association and is a key part in the borough's civic calendar including annual Battle of Britain commemorations.
"I'm proud to be here and see so many people come out to take part in the event," he said.
"It is a special event and takes on greater significant this year due to the 75th anniversary."
Reverend Canon Andrew Wickens, who led the service, said: "We are giving thanks for the valiant few, who, against all odds set their lives against aggression and preserved a breathing space for freedom in the world."
Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Steve Waltho, added: "This has become another significant event in the borough's calender. It is great pleasure to host it and shows the mark of respect for our military. It has also brought in new generations to take part."
