AN Eastham man is playing a leading role in a bold attempt to revive memories of the North West's role in the Second World War.

Ex-members of the famous 610 (County of Chester) Squadron are creating a museum at their original home base, Hooton Park, which skirts the boundary line between Bebington and Ellesmere Port.

No 610 Squadron was formed in 1936 as a bomber unit, later remustering as a fighter squadron and taking part in many of the RAF's major operations, including the Battle of Britain and the London Blitz.

After the war, 610 Squadron served as a reserve unit at Hooton Park as second-line defence, eventually being disbanded under Ministry of Defence cut-backs in 1957.

Today, from as far afield as Canada, USA and Australia, Squadron 610 Association has more than 100 affiliated members.

The museum is housed in a First World War aircraft hangar operated by The Griffin Trust at Hooton Park - now part of the Vauxhall car plant - and chairman Ian Turner, who lives in Eastham, is helping to spearhead an appeal for memorabilia.

Said Ian: "We are desperately seeking RAF artefacts and memorabilia, anything from uniforms to compasses, even bits of old aeroplanes. It's surprising what people have got gathering dust in their attics and garages. They could either donate items or put them to us on loan."

The 610 Squadron Association plans to open the museum to the public during weekends. Members will also be available on Thursdays (10am-1.30pm) to accept donations and to welcome old squadron members.

"We are all very proud of 610 Squadron and the RAF and the museum is a way of reminding younger generations of the sacrifices that were made," explained Ian.

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