Preston's Guild celebrations in 2012 are to be taken to great heights with a squadron of helicopters cruising overhead to mark the event from the skies.
The 78 Squadron Royal Air Force is hoping to be involved in the celebrations after a Second World War link was re-established with the city.
With bomber aircraft built by Preston-based English Electric and with Lancastrians among the ranks, the 78 Squadron was closely linked to Preston.
During the war, the people of Preston raised a massive £1.6m to help pay for Halifax bombers to be built, but their ties were lost during the post-war years.
The city was re-affiliated with the squadron, now based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, at a ceremony in the Town Hall, on September 1, and members of the squadron are hoping to further the link.
Derrick Crampin, 84, a former warrant officer who served as a wireless operator air gunner with the squadron during the war, persuaded city leaders to re-establish the link.
He said: "I think it is important to say Preston is proud of its squadron, and they are delighted to put them on show.
"I would be delighted to see the squadron fly past.
"I am so proud that we have been able to bring this squadron back into the foreground."
For the full story see Friday's Lancashire Evening Post
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