As the Second World War cast its shadow over Europe, the roar of the de Havilland Tiger Moth was a common sound above the rolling countryside of England.

Click 'Play' now to see the video which was filmed by Richard on his mobile phone.

A vital part of the RAF since 1932, by the time war was declared there were 500 of these 130hp biplanes in service.

Now, visitors to RAF Halton are being offered the chance to fly in one of these historic machines, during a special event in June.
Along with a host of aeroplane displays, there will be the opportunity for 20 minutes in the Moth, along with free flights for children and disabled people.

Born long after these planes became the playthings of private pilots, I decided to head down to RAF Henlow and join the de Havilland Moth Club, in Bedfordshire, to get a taste for the Tiger Moth.

Looking over the airfield there were six old-fashioned brightly coloured aeroplanes in a row. Among them was a dark green Leopard Moth - one of only five in the country - and the blood-red Chipmunk in which Prince Charles learnt to fly.

Not being the best of flyers I was at relative ease knowing that these aeroplanes were many years older than myself and the pilot I would be flying with, Desmond Penrose, had been behind the controls since 1947.
Before the flight, he asked: "You don't mind if we do a loop at all, do you?" Thinking I would regret it if I turned the offer down, I feigned enthusiasm.

As my stomach started churning, Desmond told me he wanted to renew his display licence. I wouldn't mind if he took me for a 'quick spin' around the airfield before we landed, would I? As I felt the blood drain from my face, I managed to smile and say that if the loop went well I'd be up for it.

After taxiing across the airfield we sped along the runway, before taking off over a relatively short distance. As it was a beautiful day, the view stretched for miles as the fields below became smaller and smaller.

The first test would be a steep bank to the left, then to the right before taking on the challenge of a loop.
During the loop the aeroplane appears to lose some height then there's a roar of the engine pulling you up and over before levelling out again.
Another loop followed when Desmond asked me if I was ready to go back to the airfield for some more of his display.
After getting my reassurance we headed for home, completing another loop. That's when the real fun started.

In order for Desmond to renew his licence he would have to carry out a range of different stunts - quite a bit more dramatic than anything I was imagining.

The Tiger Moth twisted this way and that, banked sharply to the left, then to the right, performed two more loops and all at a height of about 300ft.

I kept my resolve and breakfast well contained - although that may have been because I'd left my stomach a couple of miles back in the first loop.

On the ground it transpired that Desmond was thought of very highly in the stunt flying world and other pilots said I looked very well considering the washing machine ride I had just been through.

For anyone wanting to take part on June 13 and 14 each
20-minute flight costs £70, apart from those which will be
sponsored, this experience comes highly recommended.

The club also has a special hoist to help disabled people get into the planes and take part. During both days there will
be flying displays and attractions on the ground and on the Saturday if everything goes to plan there will be a flypast at 1pm to mark the Queen's Birthday.

Let us know what you think by emailing us HERE or using the comments section below.