Needleworkers have spent three years crafting tapestry panels depicting a First World War aerodrome’s history.

The group of about eight members from University of the Third Age (U3A) branches Heybridge, Burnham, Maldon and South Woodham Ferrers, will see their work finally unveiled next month at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome.

The 3ft by 2ft panels show Stow Maries at war between 1916 and 1918 and its peacetime role as a memorial and for encouraging conservation and education.

Some of the pilots are buried in Stow Maries churchyard, so the church is also featured in one of the tapestries, as is the aerodrome’s first commanding officer, Captain Claude Ridley.

Mr Ridley’s daughter, Eleanor Longmuir, from London, will be among the captain’s family members attending the unveiling on Sunday.