AN AMMANFORD veteran has seen his dream of flying in a helicopter one last time come to fruition thanks to Ammanford shoppers and the generosity of Fly Heli Wales.

Gilmour Childs of Talbot Road has spent the last fortnight selling poppies for the Royal British Legion outside the towns Tesco and Wilko stores.

The 80-year-old took time to chat with passers by and soon drummed up an army of fans.

Mr Childs later became the subject of conversation on social media after chatting with Cara Gibson from Ammanford.

Cara said: "I told him about my son attending Air Cadets and how he wants to fly the helicopters from the Naval ships. Mr Childs told me how the last time he flew in a helicopter was in the 1950s in Malaya. He also mentioned there was a competition in the South Wales Guardian for a chance to win a helicopter ride. I really hoped he would win because if there is anyone that deserves another ride up in a helicopter it's this wonderful veteran standing in the cold selling poppies."

The Guardian heard about Mr Childs and decided to ring Fly Heli Wales, the company behind the competition, to see if they could help.

For obvious reasons the Guardian could not pick Mr Childs as the winner of the competition but instead ask for another free ride.

Pilot Sven at Fly Heli Wales, based in Haverfordwest, was only to happy to oblige and said he would be honoured to take Mr Childs for a helicopter ride.

"We are pleased to be able to help and are happy to offer Mr Childs the opportunity to join us for a flight," he said.

After hearing the news Mr Childs said he was "overwhelmed" and couldn't believe what people had done.

"I am speechless, a little embarrassed too. I'm just selling poppies and chatting with the public," he said.

The veteran served in the South Wales Borderers and served in Germany in Malaya.

Mr Childs, chairman of Ammanford British Legion, said the last time he went in a helicopter he was surrounded by explosives. "It was a scary time, so when I take a ride again it will certainly be a more pleasant flight," he said.