A TOWN is gearing up to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

A Vera Lynn tribute act and a tour of a secret bomb factory are just some of the activities lined up for the Mold celebration.

This summer marks 70 years since the battle, a decisive RAF victory against the German Luftwaffe over the English Channel.

More than 500 RAF crew members and more than 2,500 German and Italian aircrew died during the battle in 1940.

A group of historians called Mold Salutes have organised the upcoming festivities.

Chairman John Davies told the Leader: “It’s all coming together now and we have got lots to be cracking on with.

“We are still looking for volunteers to help out with our street collections. We would also advise people to get their tickets in advance for the main events. Other than that – have lots of fun.”

Kicking off proceedings will be a screening of the classic film Battle of Britain at Clwyd Theatr Cymru on August 17.

The following day a shuttle bus will ferry people to the former Valley Works at Rhydymwyn for a guided tour.

Veteran Hurricane pilot Tony Pickering will give a talk in the evening about his wartime experience and author Geoff Simpson will give a lecture, ‘Who Were The Few?’

On August 19 youngsters can try their hand at Airfix modelling at Y Pentan pub on New Steet.

The following day a DVD featuring interviews with veterans will be played on a continuous loop at the Town Hall.

Pupils from Ysgol Maes Garmon and Mold Alun and students from Wrexham’s Glyndwr University have filmed and produced the DVD which will also be available at local book shops.

August 21 will see a Battle of Britain memorial flight with a Dakota aircraft taking to the skies over Mold.

Later on will be a 1940s gala evening featuring Bill Basey’s swing band and a Vera Lynn tribute act.

Celebrations will be rounded off on August 22 with a memorial parade through the town, ending at the cenotaph.

Proceeds will go to Mold Salutes and the charity Help for Heroes.

Town mayor Chris Bithell told a meeting of the council: “We have done the utmost to involve young people because 70 years is a long time and they will not remember the Second World War.

“It is important to educate young people and make them aware of how much we owe to those who have gone before us.”