The OSA has learned of the death of Paddy Hipperson who with Trevor Ward enjoyed iconic sporting status in the early 1950s.

He was at Shebbear from 1942-54 after which he entered Cranwell.

In a 20-year career with the RAF, he flew fighter aircraft, trained as a flying instructor and then transferred to RAF Transport Command.

Later he flew civilian aircraft. He was a Boeing 747 Captain with Virgin Atlantic when he retired in 1995.

He died following a heart attack in May 2004, aged 69. A full obituary will appear in the Shebbearian.