A Battle of Britain veteran is expected to dig the first ground for a new visitor centre at the Capel memorial.

Wing Commander Bob Foster, 93, will use a mechanical digger for the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Wing visitor centre at 11am today.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust’s Wing is on the site of the National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne.

It will use high-tech audio-visual equipment to bring to life the heroism and sacrifice of the men who took part in the 1940 air battle that saved Britain from the threat of Nazi invasion.

Former Hurricane pilot Wing Cdr Foster is the guest of honour as one of nearly 3,000 men who were to become known as the Few, following Churchill’s famous speech.

Also present will be representatives from the contractors, Epps Construction of Ashford, and members of the Trust, including chairman Richard Hunting.

There will also be representatives from Godden Allen Lawn, the Folkestone architectural practice that has designed the building in the shape of a Spitfire wing.