For the next 24 years, he served as a navigation technician across the world working on aircraft navigation, attack and defence systems.

Posted for his basic training in Wales, Mr Atkins went on to serve in Germany, Singapore, Northern Ireland, the Arctic and Malaysia, and served with a joint European squadron which developed the Harrier jump jet.

And now at the age of 83, Ritson Lodge Care Home in Hopton has organised a VIP trip to the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Flixton for Mr Atkins to re-live memories and view aircraft he once worked on.

© Eastern Daily Press