Rosalind Ozanne at the controls with Aero Club pilot James Wah. In the back are Mrs Ozanne’s sisters, Wendy and Gladys. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0587043)

A WOMAN who celebrated her  birthday yesterday had the surprise of her life when she received her present.

Rosalind Ozanne thought she was going for a gentle ride in a classic car so was shocked to discover her family had arranged a flying lesson. The 90 year old, who used to be in the army, even took her two sisters, Wendy, 82, and Gladys, 87, along for the ride.

‘I was completely surprised and will never forget it,’ said Mrs Ozanne. ‘I never expected anything like this – it was such a lovely gift and I would love to do it again. When I arrived at the Aero Club, I thought I was going up in a helicopter. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.  I did pretty well, even if I say so myself – I think the pilot may have lost his job.’

The birthday surprise was organised by Mrs Ozanne’s son, Nick, and the rest of the family and was kept under wraps for months.