A former Spitfire pilot who fought in the Second World War has been surprised with a brand new mobility scooter after the Biggin Hill community rallied together for the second time.

Flight Lieutenant Rodney Scrase DFC had been using a second hand mobility scooter after his was stolen from outside his home in Bromley almost a year ago.

And when his replacement scooter broke last week the Biggin Hill community came together once again to get the 94-year-old back on the move.

Ady Shaw, from the group Spitfire Britain’s National Treasure (SBNT), had planned to raise the money for the new scooter by auctioning a Battle of Britain signed canvas.

But when he contacted Sally O’Connor, who runs the Spitfire Café in Biggin Hill with husband Barry, she put him in touch with Julia Stevenson from Ride of Respect – a group of bikers which holds events throughout the year to raise funds for ex-servicemen.

The group generously handed over £1,500 to fund Mr Scrase’s new ride, which was presented to him as a surprise on Monday.

Thinking he was just visiting the Spitfire Café for lunch, the much-loved character was greeted by a crowd gathered around a mystery object.

News Shopper:

Rodney Scrase enjoying his new scooter at the Spitfire Cafe.

Mrs O’Connor, 48, said it was an emotional moment in the café when the gift was unveiled.

She told News Shopper: “He was so delighted and he said thank you so much.

“He was really overwhelmed and even Rodney’s wife Sue was just overwhelmed with the generosity.”

She added: “It’s lovely, I do get quite a few veterans in here. I just think it’s so important not to forget.”

Mr Scrase, a father of four, grandfather of four and great-grandfather of four, served with 72 Squadron in 1942 before being promoted to Flight Lieutenant two years later.

During his career in aviation he earned numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).