Norwich pilot set to play his part on historic day

Flight Lieutenant Richard Neil Taylor will entertain thousands when he soars over London in a Lancaster bomber as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team (BBMF).

The fly-past will take place at 1.30pm on Friday when a Spitfire and a Hurricane will trail the legendary bomber to celebrate the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The 46-year-old, originally from Hellesdon, is taking part in the celebrations despite recently returning from active duty in Libya.

Mum, Anita Taylor, 71, who lives in Watton, said she will be extremely proud to see her son involved in such a landmark occasion.

She said: 'All the family are proud that he is participating in the Royal Wedding celebrations. It is something which is a part of history – not everyone can say they have flown for the future king of England.

'But when you talk to my son about it he does not make much of it. He is a very ordinary, hands-on, kind of guy who takes occasions like this in his stride.

'I hope youngsters will watch him on the television and be inspired by what he has achieved.'

Mr Taylor, who is now based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, was first inspired to become a pilot after seeing his grandfather and father in the air force.

He joined the RAF in 1986 and has been involved in missions in Northern Ireland, the Gulf War and Afghanistan.

Since then, he has gone on to complete three seasons for the BBMF as a Dakota captain and a Lancaster captain.

Mrs Taylor, whose older son is a British Airways pilot, believes her sons always had flying in their blood.

She said: 'It all started when we used to take the boys to the air shows at RAF Coltishall and Marham.

'We used to plan our holidays so we could go to the aerodromes and watch the planes come skimming overhead with their terrific stench of fuel.'

Are you taking part in the Royal Wedding celebrations? Contact Ben Woods on 01603 772439 or email ben.woods@archant.co.uk