A SERIES of events are planned to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Air Force.

The Royal Air Forces (RAF) Association Concert Band will play a special concert on Saturday, May 19, at the Swan Theatre as part of a special weekend to mark the anniversary.

The following day, May 20, 400 uniformed troops will march through the city centre, followed by a service at the cathedral.

The parade, called Painting Worcester Light Blue, starts at 1pm from the Cornmarket and goes to the cathedral, through Mealcheapen Street and High Street, with the salute taken at the Guildhall.

The Worcester and District Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association is organising the events as part of the year long celebration.

The Swan Theatre concert, supported by Worcestershire County Council, will see the band under the direction of musical director Peter Skellon perform Music in the Air, a programme of well-loved music, in aid of the Wings Appeal.

On Saturday, June 2, a memorial re-dedication service will be taking place at the stone cairn in Deblin’s Green, near Powick, from 11.30pm.

Branch chairman John Mason said: “The memorial is for Squadron Leader Franek Surma, who was a Polish pilot serving with the RAF.

“He survived a Spitfire crash after bailing out near the spot in Deblin’s Green - but a few months later was shot down by an Me.109 over the channel near Calais and has no known grave. The short service will be dedicated to all aircrew from the RAF and Commonwealth, and other Allies, who served with the RAF and made the ultimate sacrifice in the Second World War.”

The RHS Malvern Spring Festival show will also have a special commemorative spring garden to mark 100 years of the RAF.

The Royal Air Forces Association supports current and former RAF personnel, their spouses, widows, widowers and other dependants. Most of this support is delivered by local branch members, on a voluntary basis.

For more details contact Mr Mason on email jm34powick@btinternet.co.uk or call 01905 830682.