A great-grandfather from Cleator Moor will be taking to the skies to raise money in memory of his wife – by wing walking.

Tom Connors, 78, of Ennerdale Road, will fulfil a life-long dream to be strapped onto a 1940s biplane and carry out a loop-the-loop.

He will be travelling in June to Breighton Aerodrome, Yorkshire, where he will spend around 15 minutes several hundred foot in the air.

With this daredevil feat he is aiming to raise £1,000 for Vasculitis UK after his wife, Elizabeth, died suddenly last year aged 68, following a rare form of the disease.

Tom's daughter, Lynda Connors, said: "Since the age of six dad has wanted to wing walk. After my mum died he said he wanted to raise money for the charity.

"The wing walking is all he talks about, he is living and breathing it!"

Tom is being supported in his fundraising by staff at his local bookmakers, Coral, on Cleator Moor's High Street.

They have organised a variety of events, and the total raised will be matched by Coral's headquarters.

Lynda said: "My dad is aiming to raise money for the charity as he wants to help other families.

"Placing a bet is his hobby. When he mentioned to the staff they said 'Let's help'. He is grateful to all the girls at Coral who have been so supportive."

Kirstie Downes, is the shop's manager. She said: "Our valued long-term customer Tom recently came to us and informed us he was doing a wing walk for Vasculitis UK which his wife Elizabeth passed away from.

"The shop team have decided to repay Tom's loyalty with supporting and fundraising for such a worthy cause."

Tom has obtained medical clearance to take part in the wing walk which was a Christmas gift from his family.

Previously a jockey, Tom, who has nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, received a lifetime achievement for working in the horse racing industry.

He moved to Cleator Moor following his retirement around 20 years ago.

For more information go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lynda-connors1