BRAVE men climbed into the cockpits of aircraft to defend our skies 74 years ago.

The Battle of Britain marked a turning point in the Second World War and helped to ultimately secure our freedom.

It was fitting, then, that RAF Brize Norton reservists of 4624 Squadron used their newly-given Freedom of the County to mark the anniversary.

They, too, have signed up to ensure our liberty remains and the town of Witney thanked them with great support.

And they remembered those who flew and fought and fell, and we will never forget them.