'This is a terrific thing to provide for the community', said councillor Natalie Oliver

A new bus route paying tribute to Lincolnshire's World War Two aviation history has launched across the county, connecting sites with links to the RAF.

Named the B617, the service commemorates the legendary 617 Squadron, widely known as the Dambusters, drawing on the unit's activity in the region during the second World War.

The route runs six days a week, linking eight communities across Lincolnshire - Horncastle, Woodhall Spa, Tattershall, Coningsby, Billinghay, Metheringham, Branston and Lincoln.

Each stop along the route features connections to the Royal Air Force's heritage in the area.

Councillor Natalie Oliver said: "This is a terrific thing to provide for the community."

RAF Metheringham served as an operational Bomber Command base between 1943 and 1946, whilst RAF Coningsby provided a home for the Dambusters during periods of the war.

The squadron's main headquarters, however, was situated at RAF Woodhall Spa.

On May 16 1943, Lancaster bombers departed from RAF Scampton to strike German dams with a bouncing bomb designed by Sir Barnes Wallis.

This daring mission was later depicted in the 1955 film The Dam Busters.

At the centre of Woodhall Spa village stands the Petwood Hotel, which once functioned as the squadron's officers' mess, and today displays wartime artefacts and memorabilia.

Brylaine operates the new honorary bus service, which receives funding through the Department for Transport's bus service improvement plan.

Lincolnshire Council said the new route will enhance transport options for those living in rural parts of the county.

Local councillors are also hopeful that the B617 will help alleviate parking congestion in the villages and towns it serves.

The timetable will initially run for a six-month trial period, during which passenger numbers will be tracked and assessed to determine the viability of the service.

Full details of the route and departure times are available on the LincsBus website.

Initially codenamed Squadron X, 617 Squadron was formed in late March 1943 to carry out the raid on the dams.

Led by 24-year old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the squadron was made up of aircrew from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

They completed "Operation Chastise" in three waves to bomb the dams, with the surviving aircrew of 617 Squadron lauded as heroes.

Guy Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the raid, with the 617 Squadron established as a specialist precision bombing unit.