AN appeal to get a fly-over organised to celebrate the life of a North East D-Day veteran has been launched.

On June 6, 1944, Thomas Trotter was involved in the largest military air and naval land operation ever attempted, the D-Day landing, and has enjoyed recalling stories from the war with friends and family.

Originally from Stockton, he served with the Northumberland Fusiliers and the Pioneer Corp.

Now, Julie Cooper from The Don War Memorial Museum and The Last Post Memorial Bar is appealing to get a fly-over organised on the day of his funeral, Tuesday April 19.

Read more: 'Everybody loved him': Tributes after North East man who was a D-Day veteran dies

In a heart-felt Facebook post on ‘Teesside Connected’, Julie wrote: “I had spoken with Tommy and said for his 102nd birthday I would try organise a fly over for him which he was looking forward to.

“Sadly as he slowly, quietly left us that’s what I was saying to his niece. I know Tommy was still listening to me... but sadly the fly-over won’t happen for his 102nd birthday as I had promised.... just throwing this out there a hoping that someone can help with one for his funeral that would be a massive tribute to our very dear friend and a great for a D-Day veteran 101 years young.”

Read more: Veteran receives 2,700 cards on 100th birthday

Speaking to The Northern Echo shortly after Tommy passed away, Julie said: “He was just such a lovely man, we loved listening to his stories and hearing about his life.

“I’ll miss Tommy so much. He was a lovely man and life won’t be the same without him.”

If the plan goes ahead, it will be a touching tribute in memory of a hero and a kind-hearted man who had quite the fanclub at 'The Don'.

In the Facebook post, Julie also mentioned that Tommy would be at The Last Post, one of his favourite places, from 10am until 10:35am before his funeral at Stockton Crematorium, starting at 11am.

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