A group seeking to commemorate the valiant efforts of a pair of famous pilots by commissioning statues in their image have received a generous donation of £25,000.

The Erith Group donated the amazing amount to help support celebrations marking the centenary of Alcock and Brown, the 'Knights of the Air' who made the first ever non-stop, trans-Atlantic flight in June 1919, using a modified bomber partly constructed in a Crayford factory.

MORE: Hall Place: Artists call on council to reconsider gallery plans

Their historic flight left Newfoundland, Canada on June 14 and flew 16.5 hours to Clifden on the west coast of Ireland.

The Alcock and Brown Centenary Project Group (Crayford), which is made up of members of the Crayford community, local historical and community groups, approached the company last year and they were very happy to support the special cause.

An impressively designed bench designed by artist Tony Stallard will be sited in Crayford close to the Clocktower and unveiled on July 23 during a special community event.

This Is Local London:

The stunning statues will depict John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown life-size and in their full flying gear.

MORE: Fears for live gigs at Iron Horse with housing block set for approval

Speaking on the donation and the incoming feature, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Places, Cllr Peter Craske said: “This is a fantastic act of generosity from the Erith Group.

"This bench illustrates our pride in the borough’s great history.

"Its presence will act as a reminder of our industrial past and to have such a successful local company behind it makes perfect sense."

Along with The Erith Group's donation, the project received a grant of £39,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund earlier this year.