Relatives to commemorate Battle of Britain leader

Sir Keith Park was in charge of the RAF's fighters which defended London and the South East during the Battle of Britain

Relatives of the man in charge of protecting the South East during the Battle of Britain will gather to mark its 85th anniversary.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park took charge of Fighter Command's 11 Group in April 1940, with the unit tasked with defending the region from German air attacks.

Sir Keith's great nephew, Brian, his great grandson, Alex Neill, and great granddaughter, Susie Hunt, will take part in the memorial ceremony on Monday at the National Memorial in Capel-le-Ferne, which features a bust of Sir Keith.

The first decisive battle in history to be fought in the air began on 10 July 1940 and reached its climax on 15 September, which became known as Battle of Britain Day.

New Zealander Sir Keith has been commemorated with a bronze statue at Waterloo Place in London, the work of sculptor Les Johnson

Fighter Command's 11 Group bore the brunt of the Luftwaffe attacks throughout the spring, summer and early autumn of 1940.

A service to mark the start of battle was held at the memorial, which also features a bust of Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, who was in overall charge of Fighter Command.

A bust of Sir Keith was previously unveiled at the Battle of Britain Memorial by Queen Camilla

Sir Keith's family will lay a wreath beside his bust.

The ceremony takes place at 11:00 BST.