A POIGNANT reunion saw some of the bravest individuals of the Second World War meet up once more this weekend.

More than 250 war veterans and former Resistance fighters travelled to Eden Camp from all over Europe for the largest event of its kind.

The annual Escapers and Evaders weekend brought together former British airmen and soldiers and the civilians who risked everything to help them get out of occupied territory.

Steve Jaques, from the museum, said the event had been very emotional for everyone involved.

He said: "There are ladies here who, when they were just 16, would walk British airmen past German soldiers in broad daylight, talking to them and getting them out of danger.

"They did this in the full knowledge that if they were caught they and their families would be executed, and yet still they helped.

"What they did for their country and our country was incredible, it was so brave."

Mr Jaques said they had been honoured with an unexpected visit from the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Lord Crathorne.

Lord Crathorne stayed for the afternoon as a plaque to the bravery of Dutch resistance fighters was unveiled at the Eden Camp chapel.

Updated: 11:14 Monday, April 29, 2002