A new TV series with connections to Suffolk and starring BAFTA-winning actor Austin Butler is being released at the end of the month. 

Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, Masters of the Air tells the true story of the bomber boys of the American Eight Air Force, known as the Mighty Eighth. 

East Anglian Daily Times: The series is produced by Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg.The series is produced by Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg. (Image: PA)

It also stars Barry Keoghan, Ben Radcliffe and Ncuti Gatwa - who is the new face of Doctor Who.

East Anglian Daily Times: Rougham Control TowerRougham Control Tower (Image: Phil Morley)

Dubbed 'The Friendly Invasion', the East of England became home to over 350,000 United States Army Airforce personnel. 

Rougham Airfield near Bury St Edmunds was home to the 94th Bomb Group from June 1945 until December 12 1945, who flew more than 300 missions with the B-17 Flying Fortress. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Austin Butler who recently won a BAFTA for his portrayal as Elvis stars in the series.Austin Butler who recently won a BAFTA for his portrayal as Elvis stars in the series. (Image: PA)

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Donald L Miller's book, on which the new series is based, includes the story of Brigadier General Frederick Walker Castle. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Lavenham Airfield is mentioned in the Masters of the Air book.Lavenham Airfield is mentioned in the Masters of the Air book. (Image: Submitted)

On Christmas Eve 1944, he led a team against communication centres and Luftwaffe fighter fields. 

His plane experienced engine problems and realising the hopelessness of the situation, Castle took the controls to give his crew time to escape. 

Castle was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour. 

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To coincide with the release of the Apple TV series, St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds will display the 48-star American flag that was given to the Cathedral on April 29 1945 by the United States Airforce. 

It will be the first time the flag is displayed to the public. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Bury St Edmunds Guildhall WWII Operations Room 2 Bury St Edmunds Guildhall WWII Operations Room 2 (Image: Bury St Edmunds Guildhall)

Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides has also created a new guided walk on February 13 and March 12. 

The hour long walk will bring to life the buildings and places that contributed to the war effort or helped raise the morale of servicemen and women during WWII, including the Royal Observer Corps Operations Room. 

Masters of the Air will be released on Apple TV on Friday, January 26.