Iconic planes thrill the Yanks crowds

The Battle of Britain Memorial flight over Uppermill, Oldham. During the Yanks weekend held in the village.

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IT was all eyes on the sky when a Lancaster bomber wowed the crowds at the annual Yanks Second World War celebration in Uppermill.

The iconic aircraft - the majority of which were built in Chadderton - was the star attraction when it flew over Saddleworth flanked by two RAF fighters.

The flybys by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was the icing on the cake of the two-day Yanks are Back in Saddleworth event inspired by the Richard Gere film Yanks which was partially shot in Saddleworth.

Yesterday, hundreds of people lined the streets to cheer the annual Yanks military parade.

Vehicles of all shapes and sizes - from bicycles and motorbikes to Jeeps, trucks and buses - took part in the procession which was led through Uppermill by Oldham Scottish Pipe Band.

But the biggest round of applause was for the Normandy and post-war veterans, and members of the Royal British Legion.

A Churchill impersonator waved to crowds while there were pantomime boos as a vehicle carrying German officers stalled.

Saddleworth High School had a range of attractions including vintage and craft stalls, entertainment, a US army camp, paintball target practice, a bar and Newfoundland dogs - the mascot of the Royal Rifles on Canada.

People could also sit in the cockpit of a Spitfire thanks to enthusiasts Melvyn and Steven Heappey.

The brothers from Derbyshire bought and restored their fighter which they exhibit around the country.

Elsewhere, Uppermill was festooned in red, white and blue and pubs staged their own entertainment.

Many visitors were dressed in Second World War uniforms and glamorous 40s fashions. Modern cyclists in lycra enjoyed a pint as an air raid warden cycled past and a 1940s copper patrolled the streets.

The Civic Hall hosted an afternoon tea dance and an evening Victory Swing Ball on Saturday.

Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Derek Heffernan was also joined by Churchill at a coffee morning yesterday for the veterans.

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