MP Jackie Doyle-Price paid to tribute to popular historian Jonathan Catton at the launch of a new Royal Flying Corps exhibition in Purfleet.

The Purfleet Heritage Centre’s latest exhibition honours the 100 year anniversary of a WWI zeppelin being shot down over Tilbury.

Centre Chairman Alan Gosling also dedicated the day to Jonathan, and a minute’s silence was held at 12pm in his memory.

MP Jackie Doyle-Price took the opportunity to pay homage to “the amazing legacy” of Mr Catton, who recently passed away on Thursday August 25.

The Thurrock MP said “Jonathan was an amazing source of support for the centre and will be very much missed.

“Purfleet Heritage centre have put together an amazing display which really brings to life the contribution of the Royal Flying corps to defending Britain during World War 1.

“Jonathan was never modest about the rich heritage of Thurrock. He saw it as something that should be celebrated and did all he could to raise awareness of it. His legacy lives on in Thurrock through the numerous green heritage plaques around the borough.

“We should have civic pride in our contribution to the history of our great nation. Whether it be Queen Elizabeth’s famous speech, the arrival of the Windrush, the development of the first container port at Tilbury or the military contribution of the Purfleet Garrison, we should celebrate Thurrock’s contribution to the history of our great nation.

“Jonathan never failed to remind us of our history and we will miss him hugely.”

The exhibition tells the story of Lt William Leefe-Robinson who was made a national hero after being the first man to shoot down Schultz Lantz air ship in the air over Tilbury before bringing it down in Hertfordshire.

The launch also remembered Group Captain Frederick Sowery and Captain Edmund Tempest, who were the second and third airmen responsible for bringing down Zeppelins during the war.

Gifts given to Lt William Leefe-Robinson on display include a trophy from residents of Havering and an ink stand from the orphans of Havering.

Ms Doyle-Price added: “William Leefe-Robinson was a hero. I commend Alan Gosling and all the volunteers at Purfleet Heritage Centre for highlighting this amazing story."