WORLD War Two heroes of Wirral's Spitfire squadron have met up to discuss past glories over a reunion meal complete with spam fritters and a visit to their former aerodrome.

The 610 Squadron, based at the Hooton Aerodrome in Hooton Park, was credited with some of the most successful sorties of the war.

Apart from its successes against shipping, transport and other ground targets, the squadron's total bag during five-and-a-half years of battle was enemy aircraft destroyed 132; probables 46; damaged 53; flying-bombs des-troyed 50.

A feature of the outstanding record is the fact that 120 of the enemy planes destroyed were done so in the first two years of the war, and a large number were accounted for the squadron during the Battle of Britain.

The meal for the squadron took place at the Hooton Hotel where more than 30 members of 610 dined on a selection of WWII fare, including spam fritters, Woolton pie and Spitfire ale.

Members of the squadron then travelled to the Hooton Aero-drome to see the fighters they once flew.

Gordon Spencer, an 81-year-old former pilot, said: "I lived in Rock Ferry when I was in the squadron.

"It is very good to see so many old faces -It brings the memories flooding back."

Fellow pilot Tim Hutchinson, 83, added: "Everybody is looking a little bit older but it is amazing to see so many of them fit and happy. I haven't seen some of these people since 1953."

As well as organising the reunion, chairman of the 610 Squadron Association, Mike Lewis, is hoping to get a lasting memorial to the men of the 610.

He said: "The sacrifices of 'the few' on behalf of their fellow men have been ignored by the county council, the city council and the church.

"There is no memorial to the brave men of 610 Squadron and we need to redress this.

"The 610 Squadron Association is mounting its own campaign to secure a memorial to 'the few' and to the other members of the Squadron who served during its short period of life."

q Anyone who is interested in joining the association may now do so. It is not necessary to have served in the RAF or any of the services. Contact Mike Lewis on 01244 373551.