Thrill-seeking 86-year-old marks birthday by flying in Spitfire

An 86-year-old from Lancashire flew in a Spitfire to mark his most recent birthday.

Alan Taylor flew one for the very first time on Saturday, 27 April.

The pensioner has been fascinated with the planes since childhood and relished the opportunity to book the "Spitfire of the North" experience at Blackpool Airport.

Taylor flew over Longridge Fell, where he was watched by his family, before travelling over his home where a street party had been arranged for him.

“The visibility was unbelievable. It was crystal clear,” he told the Lancashire Post.

“We were upside down of course. I didn’t feel sick or anything, and then [the pilot] did two fast rolls. It was fabulous.”