A YORK war hero who has been "grounded" for the last three years is flying high again thanks to an organisation which helps ex-Service members and their families.

Former Royal Air Force sergeant, Ken O'Brien, 77, flew 34 bombing missions during the Second World War, most of them deep into German airspace, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal in 1945 for shooting down an enemy ME262 jet which attacked his Lancaster bomber.

Over the last three years, health problems, including a stroke, have left him unable to walk more than 80 or so yards without having to stop to catch his breath. He called on the York branch of the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families' Association (SSAFA) for help.

Volunteer case worker Les Kemp, who himself served in the Royal Air Force for 28 years, put in a bid to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and was able to secure funding for a new electric scooter.

Mr O'Brien, who lives in Muncaster, York, said: "I am delighted. I have been grounded for the last three years and now I can get out and about again - even down to Heworth Golf Club for a pint."

Mr O'Brien, a member of the golf club for 52 years, said the new scooter would also mean he could attend the Remembrance ceremony at the cenotaph in York.

Mr Kemp said: "Mr O'Brien is a man who really does deserve something. He was one of the people that helped to save the country when we were going through the dark days of the last war."

The York branch of SSAFA helps about 100 people in the area each year.

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, September 26, 2002