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Gran, 90, takes to the skies after raffle win

Sonia Kataria & Ady Dayman
BBC News, Leicester
Barbara Brookes, 90, enjoyed a glider experience she won in a raffle

When 90-year-old Barbara Brookes took part in a raffle she had no idea it would lead to her soaring the skies in a glider.

The adventurous grandmother headed up into the clouds in the enger seat on Sunday and said the view over Leicestershire was breathtaking.

Ms Brookes, from Lutterworth, said: "I couldn't believe what was happening. It was an amazing experience - I'm not going to forget that."

After winning the top prize in the Lutterworth mayor's annual Christmas charity raffle she decided to also use the experience to three local charities and has raised more than £2,100.

Barbara Brookes, 90, wearing black goggles and a pink coat looking at the camera with a glider in the background on a field at Husbands Bosworth Airfield, in Leicestershire
The grandmother said she was initially "a little apprehensive" about the flight

Ms Brookes, who has three grandchildren, was "a little apprehensive" about the flight, but said: "It was absolutely wonderful.

"I could see reservoirs and all the different colours of the countryside. I even saw somebody's swimming pool.

"Looking out, I don't know how high we went, they told me but I've forgotten. I'm allowed at 90."

Gliding instructor and pilot Rob Barsby, from Aerosparxs in Leicestershire, flew Ms Brookes in the aircraft and described her as a "unique" woman.

"Over the years I've flown lots of people but Barbara was fantastic," he said.

"Her energy, her willingness to do these things. I let her fly.

"She did really well. I'm really proud of her.

"Barbara's got full credit from me for not just doing the ride, but raising money for charity."

Rob Barsby smiling and giving Barbara Brookes, 90, a harness with her looking away. Both stand next to a glider on a field at Husbands Bosworth Airfield, in Leicestershire.
Pilot Rob Barsby said Ms Brookes was a "unique" woman

Ms Brookes has so far raised about £2,145 through online donations for three charities - Academy for Dementia Research and Education, Lutterworth Community Transport and Age Concern Lutterworth and District.

"They are so special to me, helping me through difficult times," she said.

"They have been absolutely wonderful to me.

"I thought if we can get £500, wouldn't it be wonderful? Never, ever, in my wildest dreams did I expect that much.

"This is beyond all belief and I can't thank everybody enough."

Lutterworth mayor Robert Coleman, 71, who told Ms Brookes of her raffle win, added: "Barbara is an inspiration to me.

"She was determined to do it and has raised so much money already for the charities."

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