Shropshire Star

Hundreds turn out for Halfpenny Green Airshow - with pictures and video

Hundreds of people enjoyed a day of wings and wheels at Halfpenny Green Airshow.

Published

But one little boy got a special treat, being taken up in the skies for his own helicopter ride.

The story of Matthew Bates and his mother Kellie touched organiser Roy Targowski so much that he arranged for the family to go up in a helicopter at the airshow.

Matthew, 6, has Williams Syndrome that causes a number of developmental delays.

His mother Kellie, 39, has been making special Easter Bonnets in aid of the Williams Syndrome Charity, collecting a total of £451.

Roy said: "I heard about Matthew and Kellie, my own youngest son is disabled and I know how hard it can be for parents to get out and do things with their children so I wanted to give him something special."

Matthew, from The Straits in Lower Gornal, who attends Woodsetton School, was also joined by older sister Chloe, 7, and father Andrew.

Kellie said: "It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for him. He loves helicopters, all things machinery.

"It is such a kind thing."

People from all over the country travelled to the airfield, near Bobbington, to enjoy the spectacle, and even show off some of their own aircraft.

Will Greenwood, from Goodwood, flew in his Bucker Bestmann, designed in 1945.

It is one of seven aircraft he owns.

He said: "I've had it for five years and completely rebuilt it. It is the same model of aircraft that was used in the film The Great Escape.

"I do air shows all over the UK and Europe, I came down today to support the air show, it is a great little airfield."

Visiting from Andover was Simon Tilling, who brought his Bulldog, an aircraft he regularly races, last week he was competing in Leicester and in two weeks time will be flying in Holland.

He said: "This is the first time we've been to this airfield, we've had a good day. It is organised really well, it is nice to see all the different aircraft."

And it wasn't only machinery on display, there were performances from Dickie Lines, appearing for part of the day as George Formby, vintage cars and even visitors from outer space.

Terry Smith and Simon Baker were at the airshow on Saturday as the fourth and second Doctor Whos – accompanied by Daleks Skaros and Dolly.

Terry is chairman of the Charity Dalek Squad and was out raising money.

He said: "The kids have loved seeing the daleks, but I think the adults have enjoyed it to."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.