The influx of US airmen into our region during the Second World War created lasting bonds, and stories which have stood the test of time.

The Friendly Invasion, as it was coined, saw sleepy parishes including Seething, Attlebridge, Bodney, Deopham, Fersfield and Hethel suddenly waking up to the roar of American bombers, and the pubs and shops filled with uniformed US airmen.

But while their visit created a frisson of excitement, their missions were among the most dangerous of the war, and many would never return home.

Now their exploits are set to be relived in a new HBO series, based on the book Masters of the Air, by historian Donald L. Miller, and produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

There is also an effort to draw in visitors fascinated by the airmens' story, with The Friendly Invasion tours being set up to explore their journey in our area.