VETERAN actor Richard Todd is famous for his portrayal of an RAF hero in the wartime epic The Dambusters. But the silver screen legend shared the limelight with the real stars of the historic raid at a commemorative ceremony to mark its 59th anniversary.

Mr Todd, 82, joined three former members of the 617 "Dam Busters" Squadron - George Chalmers, Ron Burton and Jack Gagg - in a flight over Ladybower Reservoir, Derwent Valley, Derbyshire.

The group later laid a wreath at a memorial stone at Derwent Dam before scattering poppies in the water in tribute to those who lost their lives.

Their visit evoked many memories of the hair-raising, low-level training runs, which were held there in preparation for the RAF 1943 raid in the Ruhr Valley, Germany. The mission was led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson - a character immortalised by film star Richard in the 1950s epic.

He said afterwards: "I feel very honoured to have flown over Ladybower with these men. It is wonderful that something like this has been organised to help bring history to life."

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