A Northallerton great-grandmother proved that age is just a number as she took to the skies in a glider at 90 years old. 

Mildred Thompson was gifted a flight voucher by her grandchildren this year to celebrate becoming a new member of the nonagenarian club. 

Being able to hop into a glider and soar through the sky was one of the now-90-year-old's ambitions - and one that the Yorkshire Gliding Club was more than happy to help fulfill. 

Mildred Thompson in the Yorkshire Gliding Club gliderMildred Thompson in the Yorkshire Gliding Club glider (Image: YORKSHIRE GLIDING CLUB)

A couple of flights were sadly cancelled due to bad weather - but it was Monday, November 11, when the sun finally came out and gave Mildred's flight the green light. 

The glider took off, and Mildred was able to get a stunning aerial view over North Yorkshire as part of her truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Mildred said she really enjoyed the experienceMildred said she really enjoyed the experience (Image: YORKSHIRE GLIDING CLUB) Mildred Thompson beside the gliderMildred Thompson beside the glider (Image: YORKSHIRE GLIDING CLUB)


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“I really enjoyed that, looking down on familiar sights down below," she told those helping at the top of Sutton Bank. 

Fantastic pictures from the special experience show Mildred strapped in and ready for take-off in the glider, joined by a member of the gliding club team. 

A spokesperson at the club said it had been a privilege to have been able to help her fulfil one of her ambitions at 90 years young.