AIR cadets and veterans marched in this year's Battle of Britain Parade through Bolton town centre today.

More than 80 members of Bolton Air Training Corps marched with former servicemen to pay tribute to the young men killed in the Battle of Britain.

It was on September 15, 1940, that the RAF and the German Luftwaffe began their deadly dogfights in the skies above Britain.

Thanks to the pilots' bravery, the RAF triumphed and gained air superiority. Hitler had planned to wipe out the British air force and clear the way for Operation Sealion -- the invasion of Britain.

The veterans and cadets were joined by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Lynda Byrne, who lay a wreath in tribute to Bolton's war dead at the Victoria Square war memorial.

Flight Lieutenant commanding officer, Mark Love of 80 Bolton Squadron said: "For us it’s very important to remember those who fought for us – so many times history gets forgotten about.

“Lots of people know of the Battle of Britain, when the country was saved against German invasion.

“The cadets have done fantastically well today.”

The Bolton Squadron was also joined by cadets from 1471 Horwich Squadron.