A FORMER St Annes man who made the first ever transatlantic flight was remembered at his former school this week.

Ca ptain Sir John Alcock made history when he, and navigator, Lt Sir Arthur Brown, flew non-stop from St John's in Newfoundland to Cliften in the Republic of Ireland on June 14 1919.

Tragically, Capt Alcock died later the same year in a plane crash over the English Channel.

The transatlantic crossing was not attempted again for another eight years.

Last Friday, the day before the 84th anniversary of the historic journey, a plaque was unveiled at Heyhouses Endowed Primary School, St Annes, where Capt Alcock studied.

Headteacher, Clive Barnes, said: "We are delighted that the school now has a plaque dedicated to such a special pupil.

"With John dying so tragically at such a young age, this is the perfect way of ensuring his memory lives on."

The plaque was donated by BAe Systems, and the firm also sent engineer, Tracey McGreavey, to host a model plan workshop, with 35 children constructing small planes using balsa wood and glue while learning about the basic principle of flight.

Gary Lydiate of BAe Systems added: "We are delighted to assist in commemorating 100 years of flight by sponsoring this plaque.

"Alcock played an instrumental part in forming aviation history and left a valuable legacy for the industry."

Schoolchildren were joined at the unveiling of the plaque by Fylde MP, Michael Jack, and former RAF wing commande r and BAe system chief test pilot, Jimmy Dell OBE.