Weybridge’s role in the Battle of Britain has been commemorated with the first public tribute to those who died in a bombing raids on the Vickers works site.

The opening of a new exhibition at Brooklands Museum by HRH Prince Michael coincided with the 70th anniversary of the bombing.

Entitled Brooklands in the Battle of Britain, the exhibition explains how the distinctive and easily identifiable shape of the motor racing circuit made Brooklands a prime target for the Luftwaffe.

Despite this, war efforts were significant and ultimately, 2,515 of the 11,461 Vickers Wellington bombers built, and 3,012 of more than 14,000 Hawker Hurricanes, were assembled at Brooklands.

The exhibition features aeroplanes and artefacts from the time, as well as recently discovered photos of extensive bomb damage to the surrounding area.

There is also the first public tribute to those who died on September 4, 1940, from the bombing raids on the Vickers works.

A special plaque pays tribute to Lieutenant John Patton of the Royal Canadian Engineers, who was awarded the George Cross for his brave efforts. Lt Patton removed an unexploded delayed-action German bomb saving hundreds of lives and safeguarding the aircraft production.

The exhibition opens daily, 10am to 5pm and will run until 2011.

Normal museum admission applies, for further details visit brooklandsmuseum.com.