On Saturday, June 26, 1948, wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill paid a triumphant visit to Luton to meet old soldiers and to rally Conservatives for the next General Election.

Winnie, Prime Minister from 1940 to 1945, arrived in Luton in the open-top rear of a car to be greeted by thousands as he drove through George Street for a civic reception at the Town Hall, where he signed the visitor's book. As well as being accompanied to lunch at the George Hotel by mayor Councillor William Edwards, he inspected a guard of honour comprising 100 Old Contemptibles outside the Town Hall. Among them was "Chum" Andrews, of Luton, the first double DCM of World War One.

Later, a crowd estimated at 100,000 strong heard Mr Churchill speak at a fete and rally organised on the Luton Hoo estate - the wartime testing ground for Vauxhall-made Churchill tanks - by Eastern Area Conservative and Unionist Associations.

Mr Churchill arrived to an ovation on a large platform constructed in front of Luton Hoo, home of Sir Harold and Lady Zia Wernher. Before he spoke Luton Girls' Choir sang Land Of Hope And Glory.

Mr Churchill - later Sir Winston Churchill - went on to become Prime Minister again between 1951 and 1955. He died in January 1965.

Click here to see slideshow of Churchill in Luton