A MEMORIAL service for a Malvern airman looks set to be held next month in Australia.

Lieutenant-Commander Nathaniel Martin Hearle was killed in a flying accident near Melbourne on July 20, 1947.

He was the son of Kathleen May Hearle, of Church Road, Malvern Link, and was serving with 812 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm when he died, aged 32.

The squadron was based aboard aircraft carrier HMS Theseus, the history of which is given on a website created by Bill Grice, of Normanton, West Yorkshire, an air mechanic with the squadron at the time.

Earlier this year Mr Grice has revealed that the wreckage of the planes were discovered two years ago by Australian divers, who kept quiet about their find.

He has contacted the Gazette to say the memorial service will be held on July 20, the 60th anniversary of the crash, at Port Phillips Bay, where the wreckage lies.

Mr Grice said: "I am trying to arrange to go myself as I am the instigator of it all and the divers feel I should be there. However, as an 80-year-old pensioner, I am exploring the possibility of finding some sponsorship."

Anyone who can help, can contact him on 01924 892246 or via www.hmstheseus.co.uk.