A MEMORIAL has been unveiled in a Scottish town to an RAF pilot from Malvern who died in a plane crash more than 50 years ago.

Flight-Lieutenant Michael Withey was killed when his Gloster Meteor jet crashed at Kirkcaldy, Fife, on October 18, 1957.

Eyewitnesses said the pilot stayed with his plane to prevent it crashing into a built-up area, which included a school.

The plaque was installed by Kirkcaldy Civic Society at the crash site and was unveiled by Flt Lt Withey's sister, Mrs Maureen O'Hara, in a 20-minute ceremony.

John Clement O'Mara, Mrs O'Mara's husband, said: "It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny. It was perfect.

"RAF Leuchars was well represented with Wing Commander Mike Ainsworth, Squadron Leader Rev Alex Hobson and Pipe Major Ian Hughes, who played The Green Hills Of Tyrol, When The Battle's Over and Flowers Of The Forest. My son-in-law Group Captain Andy Dipper represented the RAF and read from the plaque attached to the plinth.

"This ceremony and this remembrance of what Mike did was brought more clearly into focus from eye witnesses, all who said that Mike seeing the children on the sports field turned the aircraft away and as a result the fatal crash occurred.

He said the family were very grateful to everyone who made the day possible.

"Cllr Alice Soper and Ann Watters, chair of the civic society, were two people without whom this wonderful day could never have taken place. When we met them we were greeted as old friends. Such kindness that we experienced from the people of Kircaldy that we met was truly wonderful," he said.

Flt-Lt Withey, who had celebrated his 26th birthday just two days before the crash, was the only son of Mr and Mrs Frank Withey, of Pickersleigh Road.

His funeral was at the Church of Our Lady and St Edmund, College Road, and he is buried in Great Malvern Cemetery.