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Surprise party for veteran on his 102nd birthday

Lara Kingin Brigg
Lara King/BBC An elderly man with grey hair wearing a black hat sitting in a wheelchair. He is wearing a blue shirt with a sweatshirt over it which has the words "Eddie 102" on it. There is a large blue birthday banner behind him which says "Happy birthday to you" and has silver and blue stars and balloons on it. There are also blue balloons above the banner. On the wall behind him are photographs of when he was young and serving in the air force. There is a white trolley to the left which has drinks on it.Lara King/BBC
Eddie Instone during his big birthday bash

An RAF veteran has celebrated his 102nd birthday at his care home in North Lincolnshire.

Alfred "Eddie" Instone served in the RAF as a wireless mechanic, and in 1946 he was part of a team who flew a fleet of Lancaster bombers to tour the US.

It was known as Operation Lancaster and was a goodwill tour after World War Two.

RAF personnel, his family and staff at his care home in Brigg held a surprise birthday party for him.

Sally Power & Tony Instone A black and white photograph of two men standing and looking at each other. The man on the left is wearing a white RAF outfit and a dark cap, and the other man is wearing a khaki RAF uniform with a cap.Sally Power & Tony Instone
Eddie Instone, on the left, in front of a Lancaster bomber ahead of Operation Lancaster in 1946

North Lincolnshire Council leader Rob Waltham and Brigg Mayor Penny Smith were also there.

"It's amazing. I expected a bit of a do but nothing like this. It's a heck of a do," Eddie said.

His daughter Sally Power said: "We are so proud of him. He is truly remarkable."

Eddie's son Tony told BBC Radio Humberside: "We're delighted to see all the people today from the forces as a mark of his time spent in the forces. It's a special occasion."

Operation Lancaster, which involved more than 250 men and women and 16 of the bombers, was also known as Operation Goodwill. It was a show of gratitude for the US's support during the war.

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