EXOTIC owners of a 1930s aeroplane were brought to life by an aviation fan who has given away a flight around Wiltshire in his plane.

Previous owners included an American heiress, Winston Churchill’s niece and an Egyptian criminal whose belly dancing girlfriend turned into a World War Two spy.

Mr Williams said: “I have been lucky enough to have either known all of the Puss Moth owners or talked to people who knew them. This has enabled me to build up a captivating wealth of stories, pictures and films so that I can share the absorbing history of the life and times of my aeroplane.”

Marlborough town hall was filled with over 200 people keen to hear about the stories about the 1930 de Havilland Puss Moth aeroplane.

The history talk was held to raise funds for St Nichols Church in Baydon, and organisers announced the event has now raised £4,500.

Each ticket gained entry into a prize draw to have the chance to be taken for a flight around Wiltshire by pilot Mr Williams in the plane.

The winner, Paula Meadows, was announced at the talk, held on April 11, who revealed that as a girl she had known the sister of Amy Johnson, the first female pilot to fly alone form England to Australia.

Mr Williams, from Aldbourne, added: “It was a great turn out and the church is very pleased with the amount raised.

“It was wonderful to find out that when Paula was a girl she used to know Amy Johnson’s sister.

“The flight will be arranged for a suitable time later in the year.”