EX-RAF pilot John Page has written to the Free Press to track down a long-lost 'Wings' partner for a 50 year reunion in Canada.

John Page, 68, from Colchester was among 34 RAF and RCAF pilots on National Service, handpicked to attend a flying training course at Gimli, Manitoba, about 60 miles from Winnipeg, Canada in 1952.

Only three men of these have still to be found for the reunion.

Mr Page believes that one, Michael Haggerty, who gained the rank of Squadron Leader before leaving the RAF, later moved to High Wycombe.

He said: "Another friend told me he later worked for a charter airline but unfortunately we have no other information.

"It was an altogether wonderful experience in Canada and it will be great to go back and meet up with everyone after all these years. I came out after two years but quite a few stayed on. It was sad to learn that seven of the team have died, four of them in flying accidents. If the name rings a bell with anyone I would be most grateful if they called me."

He said their old airfield has been turned into an industrial estate but that the visit will see the veterans visit their old haunts. The reunion is set to take place next September.

Anyone with information on Mr Haggerty should call John Page on 01206 384385