THE best of British spirit was called upon last week after long-awaited Spitfire and Hurricane fly-pasts were delayed due to some typically poor English weather.

But spirits were by no means dampened by the change of plan, and an air of celebration continued throughout an event held at Biggin Hill Airport to mark the 70th anniversary of Churchill's "the few" speech.

BLASTER FROM THE PAST: Biggin Hill residents Michael and Sheila Blundell with Frank Goodridge and John Nelson who also grew up in the area during the war stand in front of a Spitfire TWPV20100820C-160_c
SCHOLAR: Trainee pilot Nathan Doidge TWPV20100820C-076_c
From left are local residents Michael and Sheila Blundell with Frank Goodridge and John Nelson at Biggin Hill Airport on Friday TWPV20100820C-154_c

On August 20, 1940, Winston Churchill made his famous address in the House of Commons that ended with "never was so much owed by so many to so few".

Seventy years to the day, pilots of the Battle of Britain memorial flight soared over many of the original air stations that flew operational missions during the battle, landing at RAF Biggin Hill.

But those waiting to catch a glimpse of the Second World War planes in a fly-by at West Malling and at National Trust house Chartwell were disappointed after they were cancelled due to the inclement weather.

Biggin Hill residents who had lived through the battle as children were invited to the event and spent much of the day recounting their experiences or posing in a privately-owned Spitfire that had been lent to the airport.

Among those invited were Michael and Sheila Blundell, who both grew up during the Battle of Britain, and now live in Jail Lane.

Mr Blundell said: "There was recently a documentary called The Heroes Of Biggin Hill, which was about the Battle of Britain from the perspective of those living in Biggin Hill at the time.

"Both my brothers were on it, and although I thought it was very good, it did paint rather a rosy picture of what it was like.

"There were some points that were very traumatic, and because I was only ten at the time, it really did affect me back then.

"I think it is really important that they hold events like today – they really were extraordinary people, those men, and it is right that we remember them in this way."

His wife, Sheila, added: "Soon there is not going to be anyone who was alive at the time to tell people what happened.

"I think while we are still around, it is important that we hold events like this because it would be terrible if people forgot.

"I actually took part in the documentary, and I thought it was really good because they talked about the WAAFs (Women's Auxiliary Air Force) who did some very dangerous things and ought to be remembered, too."

Mr Blundell explained the war eventually became part of everyday life and said: "There were of course points that were very exciting – we did enjoy watching the planes, but the battle did become part of your life.

"Eventually we gave up on the air raid shelters and just went into a fortified room in the house."

But he added: "I am very proud to be from Biggin Hill. When we go on holiday, and people ask us where we are from, they always know where it is and the history that comes with it."

Others attending the event included Off Cdt Daniel Kitching and youngsters from the Biggin Hill Squadron Air Training Corps.

"I feel as though I am living the dream," said Mr Kitching, 20, of Dowding Road, Biggin Hill.

"I am now part of the RAF but I grew up in Biggin Hill and attended the ATC.

"To be on the airfield on the anniversary of such an event is incredible."