A businessman's donation made in memory of his relatives who fought in the Second World War means one of Kent's best-loved memorials can shine on after dark.

Alastair Kerr has funded floodlights to be installed around the The National Memorial to the Few on the White Cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne, between Dover and Folkestone.

The result is an atmospheric tribute to the fewer than 3,000 men of the Royal Air Force who took to the skies to see off the Luftwaffe, claiming victory in the Battle of Britain of 1940.

His donation was made in memory of three family members - wing commander M E Kerr, squadron leader J M Kerr and flying officer R Gibson - who served in the Royal Air Force in the Second World War.

He said the gift was “out of gratitude for the life I have and the freedoms I am so lucky to enjoy."

He continued: “Bearing this in mind, together with the fact that both sides of my family saw fine men and women serving in both world wars, I felt I should show my respect and appreciation of them, the combatants, and the previous generations for their bravery and determination.

“Hopefully what I have done is to help the Trust keep this pivotal period in Britain and Western Europe’s history very much alive, not only for the present but for all the generations to come.”

The lights switch on marks the end of the 80th anniversary of the Battle, which took place between July 10 and October 31.

Mr Kerr also paid for the building of the wall and contributed to the cost of installing new gates at the main entrance to the memorial park in New Dover Road.

The new entrance gates, which formerly stood at RAF Biggin Hill, are named in honour of air chief marshal Sir Michael Graydon, former chief of the air staff, president of the Trust from 1999 to October 2016 and now a life vice president. Sir Michael also contributed to the cost of the new gates.

Trust chairman Richard Hunting CBE said: “The clifftop home of the memorial is always an atmospheric place to visit, and we felt that floodlighting the central airman sculpture would add another dimension to this much-loved tribute to the Few.

“We are incredibly grateful to Alastair for generously funding this superb addition to the site.”

The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust has had a challenging year as a result of the Covid-19, but has been heartened by the support of those who have responded to its fundraising efforts.

While the car park and Wing building are now once again closed to visitors, the site is open to those on foot, who can now also enjoy the floodlit memorial after dark.

Visitors who use the pedestrian gate to access the site are asked to consider the Trust’s neighbours when parking and to observe social distancing and keep dogs on leads.

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