AN AMATEUR glider pilot has fulfilled a 50-year ambition in the skies above North Yorkshire.

Fred Kirk first flew solo in a glider in 1968 at RAF Dishforth, but after joining the army then the police, let the pastime pass him by.

After seeing a news report about Burn Gliding Club on a regional news show last year, he decided to take new classes and aimed to take another solo flight 50 years on from his original flight.

Fred, who currently works for West Yorkshire Police as a radio dispatcher, said good weather provided some good thermals and perfect conditions for his flight in July.

He said: “I first became interested in gliding when I was in the army stationed at the Army Apprentice College at Harrogate. I was a member of the Cleveland gliding club at RAF Dishforth from 1967 to 1969.

“I first went solo in 1968 flying a T21, and continued at Dishforth obtaining my silver height and duration flying a Swallow and an Olympia 2b. After Harrogate I was posted to the middle east so had little opportunity to continue with gliding.

“I decided to join Burn Gliding Club 11 months ago, as I am due to retire next year and wanted to be able to do an active and exciting hobby. I remembered the thrill of gliding after seeing Burn Gliding Club on BBC Look North last year. So I decided to give gliding another go.”

Fred said: “I did hope to re-solo earlier this year on the 50th anniversary of my first solo, but due to the bad winter weather this wasn’t possible, but at least I made it in my 50th year.

“Burn has been a good choice of club as I have really enjoyed each and every flying day and have been made to feel part of the club from the very beginning.”

A spokesman for the gliding club said: “If like Fred you are interested in learning to fly as a new exciting hobby, we are always looking for new members.”

The club provides Air Experience sessions for groups of six or more on summer evenings, and visitors are welcome to find out more on flying days, which are Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, go to burnglidingclub.co.uk, follow it on Twitter at @Burn_Gliding or on Instagram at burngliding.