SHOBDON Airfield is looking back in time as it celebrates its 80th year.

The airfield is celebrating the landmark year alongside Herefordshire Aero Club, who are marking their 60th anniversary.

Before the founding of Herefordshire Aero Club, the airfield had an important role in aviation as RAF Shobdon.

With the outbreak of war in September 1939 the race was on to use existing airfields or to create new ones to defend the country against invasion by Axis forces.

Shobdon, which was originally named Pembridge Landing Ground, began as a grass strip airfield and was home to an anti-aircraft co-operation unit.

By May 1942, Pembridge Landing Ground had been upgraded with a triple width runway and buildings and was renamed Shobdon Airfield.

During World War II many instructors and pilots were trained at Shobdon and many saw action in major airborne operations, including the landings on Sicily and Normandy, and the battles of Arnhem and the Rhine.

A glider training school arrived in July 1942 and started glider pilot training – when a plane has dual control gliders for a person to train with qualified instructors.

The school holds the record for the greatest number of day and night glider training missions, with 96,925 separate glider launches up to 1945.

In late 1945 the school was disbanded and Shobdon saw its last wartime aircraft depart and all flying activity ceased.

In April 1962, Herefordshire Aero Club became established as a member's club when it was given permission to use the main runway.

They began to promote, enrol, and train future pilots from all walks of life and to this day enjoys a reputation for being one of the friendliest airfields in the country.

Herefordshire Aero Club continues to manage Shobdon Airfield today and has a thriving membership.

The club continues to run pilot courses today.

The airfield welcomes visitors and has become a popular spot both for locals and pilots alike.

The award-winning Meg's at The Hotspur Café provides a meeting point, with outdoor benches giving the ideal viewing area.

The airfield is planning festivities for later in the year to mark this milestone.