FINAL preparations are underway for a memorial service to mark the first civilian deaths of the Second World War on mainland Britain.

A special service is being held to mark the 77th anniversary this Sunday at 2pm.

On that date in 1940, a German Heinkel bomber came down in Victoria Road, Clacton, “causing severe damage and considerable distress” as it was reported at the time.

Residents Frederick and Dorothy Gill were killed when the plane crash landed on their home at number 25.

A witness account of the incident will be read out at the memorial and Reverend Crawford Logan will carry out a dedication of the site.

The Clacton Victoria County History Group will also be attending with exhibits from around the plane crash.

Tendring Council environment boss Michael Talbot said: “We had a good response to an appeal for anyone connected, or with family connected, to the plane coming down in 1940 to contact us.

“Through the appeal we have received eye-witness accounts and are hoping some of those who came forward will be able to turn up on Sunday for the ceremony.”

An air disaster fund was originally set up in 1940 to assist Clacton residents affected by enemy raids.

The account paperwork was discovered during an office move at Tendring Council four years ago.

The money left in the account is now worth £1,700.

The council has contributed £10,000 to put a new memorial stone on the garden site at the junction of Victoria Road and Albert Gardens, along with two new benches and landscaping to create a fitting memorial.

The garden has been designed by award-winning Paul Baines, of Frinton.