Former US President George Bush Senior said a Cambridgeshire museum commemorating American airmen who died in World War II illustrates the importance of the relationship between the two nations.

Mr Bush, a veteran of World War II, was at the American Air Museum at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford to rededicate the tourist attraction.

Mr Bush, who flew 58 combat missions as a navy pilot in the war, was also due to join the Prince of Wales as they both made speeches at the rededication ceremony.

About 4,000 Americans - many of whom are also World War II veterans - are also attending the event.

'Very impressed'

The museum houses the biggest collection of historic American combat aircraft outside the US.

After a tour and seeing a replica of the Avenger aircraft, which he flew, Mr Bush praised the museum, which is a memorial to the 30,000 US airmen who gave their lives while flying from British bases.

"This is a marvellous museum. Just unbelievable. I am very impressed, " said Mr Bush, 78.

'Wonderful memorial

"It just shows, not that it needs it, the importance of the relationship between the UK and the USA.

"It's a wonderful memorial to the people who flew."

Asked whether he would like to fly one of the planes again himself, he said: "No. I would not like to fly.

"I'm afraid I would put someone else's life in jeopardy by flying."