AROUND 300 people flocked from far and wide to witness a spectacular Battle of Britain air display in memory of a young pilot.

A Lancaster bomber, the last remaining operational aircraft of its kind, and a spitfire soared into the skies as friends and family remembered James Beagley.

The Marlow resident died four years ago, aged 34.

He was one of five people killed as two aircraft collided near Coventry Airport. James' father Alan Beagley said the evening show last Friday had an international flavour, with guests coming from abroad especially.

The retired helicopter pilot, of Strathcona Close, Flackwell Heath, said: "The Battle of Britain aircraft, was a surprise and it was excellent.

"People said it was very appropriate, they enjoyed the occasion and thought it was a fitting tribute for their lost friend.

"For me it was a kind of contradiction of emotions. It's a celebration, which is what it should be, but I still have this innermost conflict with celebrating what is such a huge loss to our family."

Mr Beagley has been fighting for years for justice for his son and finally there will be an inquest in October.

Friends and family also enjoyed seeing James' old much loved car - a classic seen in the James Bond film the spy who loved me.

The whole evening had a Bond theme in honour of the fact the pilot was such a big fan.

The 1978 Lotus Esprit, which was notorious for breaking down, was brought along to the airfield where groups posed with it for pictures.