Spitfire dream comes true for 89-year-old John

A "massive fan" of the RAF saw his dream come true when he got the chance to sit in the cockpit of a Spitfire.

John Negus, who will soon be celebrating his 90th birthday, enjoyed a trip to the RAF Museum in Cosford, Shropshire, organised by the care home where he is a resident.

It came after staff at The Haven in Metheringham, near Lincoln, asked their residents what they would like to do in 2025.

Donald Merryweather, whose brother was shot down during the Battle of Britain, also went along for the day.

Sadie Langton, the care home's activity co-ordinator, said John "absolutely loved it".

"He walked the whole way round, and climbed in and out of the cockpit as if he was 21," she added.

John had originally requested a flight in a Spitfire but was more than happy to sit in the cockpit and salute.

He comes from an RAF family and is "just a massive fan", Ms Langton said.

"I think he practically ran the whole way round – stopping just briefly for a quick sandwich.

"We took Donald as well – his brother, who was a rear gunner, was shot down at the age of 20 in a Wellington during the Battle of Britain.

"The Wellington exhibition was closed, but we fluttered our eyelashes and they let us in to see [it] as well."

Ms Langton said the trip happened after residents were asked what they would like to do in 2025 ahead of New Year celebrations at the care home.

"We had quite a lot of big ones," she said.

"We are going to try to work our magic as much as we can."

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