A WOMAN who invited a Red Arrow war hero to drop in to cheer up her seriously ill husband is to get a full scale, 15 minute display over her home. It is going to be absolutely fantastic and I couldn t believe it when they said what they were going to do

A WOMAN who invited a Red Arrow war hero to drop in to cheer up her seriously ill husband is to get a full scale, 15 minute display over her home.

"It is going to be absolutely fantastic and I couldn't believe it when they said what they were going to do," said Kate Blake.

The world-famous Red Arrows will be performing a breathtaking display over Upwell, followed by a fly-past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Mrs Blake, the woman who managed to pull off the amazing coup, still has her head in the clouds, never dreaming her charity event would take off in such a spectacular way.

She says the display will be a thank-you to villagers who have given such a warm welcome to her and her seriously ill husband, Rob. It will also raise money for charities close to their hearts, the Red Arrows Trust, and the Police and Fire Benevolent Funds.

Mrs Blake first contacted the Red Arrows Trust in the hope of setting up a visit by one of its members. Mr Blake, a former fire-fighter, paramedic and special police constable has always been a great fan.

She mentioned she was planning a small charity event as a tribute to her husband's courage in fighting his illness and as a thank-you to all those who had helped them. But when they contacted her again, it was to say the team would be on its way back from Lowestoft Air Show on Friday July 27 and could fit in a 15-minute display. A further call confirmed they would also be joined by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Mrs Blake said: "I had just been planning a small street party in Townley Close, now it has become a full afternoon of entertainment and fun on the playing field. We have had tremendous support from everyone."

The event is from 3pm-6.30pm but Mrs Blake cannot give a definite time for the display and fly past.