Parish councillors could erect a memorial to a Sutton man awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal in World War Two.

Gunner and wireless operator John Tippett, who lived in Sutton during the 1930s, was awarded the prestigious medal after shooting down a German Messerschmitt and damaging another during a skirmish over the North Sea in World War Two.

Now members of Sutton Parish Council are considering erecting a small stone monument to him in the village's peace garden.

The idea comes following a suggestion by Sutton aviation historian Joe Bamford.

He came across newspaper cuttings about John's medal presentation and suggested a street be named after him in the village's new Barratt Homes development - orignally the home of Bairstow's Mill, where John worked.

Parish councillors said this would not be practical, but have come up with the idea of erecting a stone plaque in his memory.

Joe said: "Although he was an unassuming man, he played his part in the war and I think it only fitting that he should be remembered."

After being de-mobbed as a Flight Sergeant, John met and married a woman from Cambridge and set up a successful grocery business, but he died several years ago.

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