A BRONZE statue of an inventor and businessman who played a key role in World War II has been unveiled in a ceremony that included a private flypast.

The monument commemorating Sir George Dowty was unveiled at Glebe Farm in Lower Stanton St Quintin at the end of May.

Two de Havilland Chipmunks undertook a tribute fly-by at 90 knots over the statue for the occasion.

Sir George was the founder of Dowty Aviation, based in Cheltenham, which developed parts for military aircraft as well as supersonic airliner Concorde.

The business was known for creating aircraft components that included undercarriage units and hydraulic systems.

Sir George, who was born in 1901 and died in 1975, designed the undercarriage of the Lancaster bomber, which was the RAF’s principal heavy bomber later on in World War II.

During the ceremony, the statue was unveiled by James Gray, former North Wiltshire MP and current candidate for the South Cotswolds seat in the upcoming General Election.

The ceremony was led by John Kett-White, who lived locally during wartime and whose father was a squadron leader at RAF Hullavington.

Sir George was a twin, and it is hoped that a twin of the statue will be placed in IWM London.