A former RAF flight engineer was given a special surprise as he celebrated his 99th birthday.

Ray Parke, who flew over 40 missions in a Lancaster Bomber during the Second World War, turned 99 on April 22 and visited the USAAF 93rd Bomb Group Museum in Hardwick, near Long Stratton, as part of his celebrations.

On a day that included a Spitfire flyover and aerobatic display, the main event saw 41-year-old Jonny Cracknell, run a 29-mile route between Ray’s old RAF airbases of Methwold and Chedburgh.

On London Marathon day, Jonny ran to help fundraise for a trip to return Ray to the only moving Lancaster Bomber in the UK, at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.

The writer and photographer said: “I’ve always been so passionate about them being remembered and what they did and went through, so as soon as I heard about Ray and the chance to help his story live on it instantly resonated with me.”

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The taxi ride is set up as part of a documentary by University of East Anglia students.

Norwich Evening News: Jonny Cracknell, right, helped raise funds for Ray Parke's 99th birthday celebrations through a 29-mile run between Ray’s old RAF airbases of Methwold and Chedburgh Jonny Cracknell, right, helped raise funds for Ray Parke's 99th birthday celebrations through a 29-mile run between Ray’s old RAF airbases of Methwold and Chedburgh (Image: Parke family)

Jonny added: “When I heard about the opportunity to document Ray's life and story, it was something I instantly wanted to be a part of.

“I want to use the opportunity to move these stories onto the next generations."

When Jonny finished his run and made it to Ray’s birthday celebrations, he delivered the news that the run - coupled with a pledge from Ray's former employer Aviva, when it was Norwich Union - had helped raise all the money needed.

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Ray, who lives in a care home in Sprowston, said, “I can’t believe everyone wants to do these things for me.

Norwich Evening News: Ray Parke during his time in the RAFRay Parke during his time in the RAF (Image: Submitted)

"I can’t believe Jonny has done what he has done. I’m just so grateful."

Ray, who used to live in Thorpe St Andrew, will set off on his special taxi ride on May 15 after more than £3,500 was raised.