The chance finding of a Royal Air Force identity tag in Belgium has unlocked memories of 1941 for a man from Otley.

Frank Longstaffe, pictured, 77, of Newall Avenue, was stunned when he got a phone call telling him that his cousin's identity tag had been washed up on a beach, 62 years after he was shot down and killed.

And Mr Longstaffe has now received a letter from the man who found Sergeant Leslie Harrison's bracelet between Ostend and Neuport.

Sergeant Harrison, born at Otley, was 23 when he went missing in 1941 while on a fighter sweep with 72 Squadron.

It was common for members of the armed forces to have an identity bracelet made up as well as wearing the issue ID tags round their necks.

Frans Degel, of Ostend, wrote to Mr Longstaffe: "I am the man who found the bracelet of your first cousin who was shot down on July 10, 1941.

"The bracelet, just a black silver plate with a name and a number, was emerging from the sand on the beach between Ostend and Neuport.

"More than 60 years ago your cousin gave his life for freedom, maybe on command, but nevertheless with the courage of a great soldier."

He added, in his good English, that he wanted Sgt Harrison's family to remember his bravery and what he died for.

Mr Degel, 70, said he remembered seeing some terrible things during the war, including the crash of a Spitfire in 1943.

"I hope that my letter gives you some consolation, especially very important when becoming older, the past is coming back nearer and nearer," he said.

Mr Longstaffe said the discovery of the bracelet had indeed brought back many memories.

His cousin Leslie was the son of Edith and Wilks Harrison and he attended the grammar school in Otley.

Mr Longstaffe said: "Leslie was one of the weekend fliers at the air squadron at Yeadon.

"I remember seeing him just once in his uniform before he went to war. I remember he had his top button undone - he was allowed because he was a pilot."

The 72 Squadron diary entry on July 10, 1941 at 11.20am recorded that Sgt Harrison was flying a supermarine Spitfire Mark V, number P8604.

The log said that Sgt Harrison was flying one of 11 aircraft who took part in a sweep from Biggin Hill to St Omer via Hardelot and Fruges.

On route, they were attacked and it is noted that 'FO Godlewski, Sgt Casey and Sgt Harrison did not return'.

Mr Longstaffe said that he thought it most appropriate to hand the identity bracelet back to the 72 Squadron, which is based at Linton -on-Ouse, north of York.

Flight Lieutenant Ian Lambert, from the 72 squadron, said: "We are delighted that Mr Longstaffe is presenting this back to the squadron.

"We are very interested in the history of the squadron and it is always fascinating to hear stories like this."

Dinty More, of the Aircrew Association, which promotes comradeship between those who are serving or have served as military aircrew in the armed forces or allied forces, said he was thrilled to hear that the bracelet would be returned to the squadron.

He played a key role in tracking down Mr Longstaffe, through connections he has in Belgium.

He said: "We are going to have the bracelet mounted on a special plaque.

"Mr Degel is hoping to fly over from Belgium to take part in a special ceremony where Mr Longstaffe will present the bracelet back to the squadron."