RAF veteran, 102, takes 'flight down memory lane'

A 102-year-old World War Two veteran living in an east London care home has said it was "amazing" to fly once again, after taking to the air in a 1930s Dragon Rapide plane.

Arthur Clark, a former RAF pilot, served in India and Singapore with the 2896 squadron in 1942.

His care home, Ivy Grove in Chingford, arranged for him to visit Classic Wings at Duxford in Cambridge for a special flight in May.

He said: "To be up in the air again and to see London at that view was amazing."

He added: "It has been a long time since I have been to London. I didn't realise how many tall buildings there are now.

"Going back to Duxford and seeing all the aircraft again brought back good memories."

Mr Clark was joined on the plane with fellow resident Richard Hawe.

Pilot Craig Brierley said only a few Dragon Rapide planes now exist that have been restored to meet modern flying regulations.

Care home admissions adviser April Jones said: "At Ivy Grove, we encourage residents to lead fulfilling lives, whether that comes from helping out in the garden or flying down memory lane like Arthur.

"It was lovely to see Arthur reconnect with something he is passionate about.

"He was in his element during the plane ride, sharing his knowledge but also taking in what the pilot had to say too."

The care home has a "wishing tree" initiative which allows residents to suggest activities they would like to do to enrich their lives.

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