A RUSSIAN air attaché attended the New Forest Airfields Commemorative Service for the first time on Sunday.

The service, led by former Royal Air Force padre Canon Ray Hubble, was also attended by attachés representing the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Australia and Canada in recognition of the pilots of those nations who served at New Forest air bases during the Second World War.

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Organised by the Friends of the New Forest Airfields, the service at the airfields memorial in Black Lane, Holmsley South, is now in its 12th year.

Friends education officer John Levesley said: "We have invited the Russians to send a representative on several occasions, but this is the first time they have been able to make it.

"A Russian air force unit was based at RAF Hurn, now Bournemouth Airport, in 1943, flying supplies across the North Sea, so it was great they were able to attend.

"The service is intended to commemorate the achievements of those who served at the 12 New Forest airfields in both world wars and is not a typical remembrance service, more a historical reminder."

The service was attended by Christchurch mayor Frederick Neale and New Forest District Council chairman Alison Hoare, as well as local MPs Christopher Chope, Julian Lewis and Desmond Swayne.

Representatives of the Armed Forces also took part, while air cadets from local towns joined in a parade with veterans.

"The memorial is near two large camp sites and is a popular destination anyway, so we always get a good crowd of people watching," said Mr Levesley.

"There is a great demand for the stories of these airfields among the people of the New Forest.

"The bases had a big involvement with the D-Day landings, and our talks always get a good turn out of local people who want to learn about the airfields and also tell some stories about their own families."

The Friends are soon to move into a new base for the New Forest Airfields Education Centre, near their old centre in Merryfield Park, Bransgore.