A man from Mitcham says he played an instrumental role in the organising of Captain Tom's 100th Birthday Flypast.

Wayne Grant Baker, 36, says he chased Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar to perform a flypast for Captain Thomas Moore's Birthday.

The thoughtful 36-year-old sent dozens of requests and was finally heard by the organisation that organises flypasts.

Wayne Baker decided to contact the organisation, due to his grandad, Stanley Burnell (service ID, 23226), serving in Burma, in 1943, the same time as Captain Tom.

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The 36-year-old holds the military close to his heart as both his grandad and his great-grandad fought for Britain in the war.

Wayne Baker says he was directed to Biggin Hill after putting out a post on a military Facebook group.

Speaking to Wimbledon Times, Wayne Baker said: "It feels amazing, that my efforts have been recognised.

"My great grandad was in both world wars so I have much respect and love for him also as he holds the military cross.

"My grandad served in Burma at the same time as Captain Tom, but in a different regiment.

"It is with the respect and courage from the elderly that they find ways to encourage and give inspiration to others to raise money for our wonderful NHS.

"I don't want this to be made about me, but for everyone who served in the wars and who are still serving as they are incredible and all of whom are heroes.

"Covid 19 is an invisible war which has affected so many people all over the world.

"If I can help those who went through what my family went through in any way that I can, then I will."

In an update, Biggin Hill Spitfire said: "We have submitted our flight application and are quietly confident that we will get approval to perform a flypast for Captain Toms 100th Birthday on the April 30.

"In the event of permission being granted, we intend to fly over as many NHS hospitals as we are permitted to on our route from Biggin Hill to Marston Moretain."

The flypast will happen provided the Department for Transport agrees.

Wayne has since contacted The Royal Mint to see if a special coin can be made for Tom.