It is hard to believe legendary crooner and actor Bing Crosby once sang to more than 4,000 fans in an aircraft hangar on what is now a tranquil countryside spot.

But this week marks the 70th anniversary since the star visited Ridgewell Airfield, where the American 381st Bomb Group and RAF’s 90 Squadron were based during the Second World War.

His visit on September 2, 1944 was to celebrate the end of the 8th Air Force War Bond drive and the American Red Cross Aeroclub's anniversary.

Fans packed the hangar, literally almost to the rafters, to watch him perform.

* Full story and pictures in this week's Gazette.