Next month marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force – and a series of events are set to take place in West Dorset to commemorate the occasion.

The Bridport and Lyme Regis branch of the Royal Air Forces Association is determined to help people living in West Dorset enjoy the upcoming RAF100 weekend.

The commemorations will begin at the Tiger Inn, Barrack Street, which has brewed a special beer for the occasion and the first pint will be pulled by Bridport mayor, Cllr Anne Rickard, at 7pm on Good Friday.

On the morning of Saturday, March 31, the Wessex Military Band will play a selection of music appropriate to the celebration at Bucky Doo Square, where a collection will be held for the RAFA Wings Appeal charity. There will also be a chance to chat with some past, present and future members of the RAF.

There will be a moment for reflection on Sunday, April 1 – the RAF’s 100th anniversary – at the war memorial on South Street at 11.30am.

An exhibition will go on display at Bridport Town Hall on Bank Holiday Monday celebrating 100 years of the RAF’s connection with Dorset.

It will feature stories and pictures from around the county, with memorabilia of interest to all ages.

There will be a series of films of the RAF in action to watch throughout – including the trials of the bouncing bomb carried out on Fleet Lagoon and the RAF and Met Office sampling oil smoke from fires in Kuwait set by Sadam Hussain’s troops.

In some cases it will be possible to talk to the people who were part of such history.

To finish off the commemoration, pupils from St Mary’s Primary School will share posters they have designed, with Cllr Rickard presenting prizes to the best.

The Bridport and Lyme Regis branch of the RAFA, which is now growing in membership, says it is determined to enjoy, and help the people of Dorset enjoy, the upcoming RAF100 commemorations.