A memorial to the 55,000 airmen of Bomber Command who died helping to win the Second World War has been given the go-ahead at long last.

A £2.5million monument will be built in honour of the courage and sacrifice of young aircrew who flew missions night after night in the face of terrifying odds.

Council chiefs overruled local objections to give permission for the tribute to be built in Green Park, close to Buckingham Palace.

The decision is a massive victory for campaigners who blamed Britain’s failure to honour members of Bomber Command who lost their lives fighting tyranny on ‘political correctness’.

Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb, a supporter of the campaign, said: "These guys are heroes – they saved the world and they deserve the best. Anyone speaking against it should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. The whole world, including Germany, is free today because of Bomber Command's sacrifice."

Sir Michael Beetham, president of the Bomber Command Association, said: "We are all immensely grateful. It is the news we have been waiting for for so long and at last we will be able to recognise the sacrifice made by so many men."