I VISITED the flourishing Rossendale Aviation Society recently, which meets at Haslingden Cricket Club.

The subject was the history of the Lancaster Bomber which had its origins in our county.

What I did not bargain for was meeting four men who flew the bomber during the war and were shot down.

I met Tom Dugdale who flew the aircraft, alongside Guy Holt, Ken Oaks and Russell Margerison, who flew many missions over Germany. All discussed how the Lancaster was a joy to fly, but like all bombers was difficult to escape from when shot down.

Guy and Russell were both shot down and survived the parachute drop.

They were not in the same crews but in the same prisoner of war camp.

I watched as the pair recognised each other, because they had never met again following their release!

Here were Lancashire lads who had not seen each other for some 60 years, shaking hands and exchanging war-time memories.

The lecture was organised by my friend Harry Holmes, who has written a book on the Lancaster.

How satisfying it was to see another chapter opening up before our eyes...