Family's farewell to jet-set as plane takes off

A Shropshire family who literally joined the jet set when it bought a fighter plane say the head-turning machine has finally flown the nest after being sold to a museum.

When Richy Williams, of Rosehill, near Market Drayton, went to get a free bacon sandwich from his mum who was catering at an aviation auction, he had no intention of returning home thousands of pounds lighter as the owner of every man's dream toy - a fighter jet.

Richy, 23, bought the L29 Delfin ground fighter trainer, built in Czechoslovakia in 1968, in Childs Ercall last year.

Now he and his parents, Kev and Di Williams, have sold it to aviation enthusiasts at Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome, Leicestershire.

The plane, which boasts a working jet engine, intact gun sights and a top speed of 500mph, had stood next to the A41 in a field beside the family's home. But this week it was hoisted on to a lorry and driven to its new home.

"I've never been as attached to anything as I have that plane," said Mr Williams senior.

"We decided to sell it for restoration and we all felt the most important thing was for it to go to a good home."

Recalling the day his son bought the jet, Mr Williams said: "As I went to pick my wife up I met my son coming down the road saying 'Dad, help I've bought an aeroplane'."