THE Battle of Britain was remembered in Grays as wartime veterans joined the crowd gathered to pay tribute to those who took part.

Several pilots who had flown in the battle 75 years ago joined residents and dignitaries to lay wreaths at the war memorial.

Among those who attended were the mayor Sue Gray, council leader John Kent and South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe.

The Air Training Corp and local military organisations carried standards and the Royal British Legion and the RAF Wings Appeal were also in attendance.

Former Thurrock Council Conservative leader Ray Andrews, who was seven years old and lived in Aveley at the time of the battle, recalled seeing the planes fighting over Thurrock.

He said: “Of course, the Thames was likeamagnet for the bombers. A lot of the bombs hit Aveley Village.

“I knew one girl in my school who was killed in the raids.

“The bombers were aiming for the docks, the factories and refineries.

“There were masses of vapour trails criss-crossing each other. It went on for days.

“As young boys, we were really used to it. We used to rush out to see them.

“It was probably more terrifying for our parents – but as young boys it was exciting seeing our heroes in action.”