A man celebrated his 80th birthday in style – by flying a Spitfire over North Yorkshire.
Derek Thrippleton strapped into a two-seater version of the Second World War fighter for a lap of his home county in June.
He and pilot John Dickson took off from Church Fenton airfield and flew over Ampleforth, Helmsley, Castle Howard and Kirkbymoorside, where Derek lives.
Derek, who last year opened The Gallery art shop in Kirkbymoorside, even took control of the aeroplane at one point to fly it himself.
While flying back, he said, the pilot regained control and did the “must-do” – a sideways victory roll.
The flight was a present from Derek’s wife Dorothy and was arranged by Spitfires.com.
After a smooth landing, Derek was greeted by Dorothy and his two daughters, Anna and Kate.
Derek described the flight as an “amazing experience”, adding: “This was an experience I will never forget, could I do it again at 90?”
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