Lightning strike kills pensioner

A model plane enthusiast died when he was struck by lightning as he retrieved his glider at a national competition.

Peter Harris, 63, from Kidderminster, cycled across the runway at RAF Barkston Heath, Lincolnshire, to collect his aircraft.

He was hit by one of two lightning bolts and was later pronounced dead on arrival at hospital in Grantham.

The British Model Flying Association cancelled Sunday's events and held a tribute service on Monday.

It is just unfortunately one of those freak things and our sympathies go out to his wife Roy Wright British Model Flying Association

Organiser Roy Wright said: "There were two bolts of lightning - one which struck this gentleman and another which hit our main hangar and took out all the electrics."

He added that none of the competitors witnessed the incident and that organisers were alerted by motorists who saw what happened.

"We hadn't had a drop of rain all weekend and then suddenly this thunderstorm breaks out," he said.

"It is just unfortunately one of those freak things and our sympathies go out to his wife."

First aid staff tried to resuscitate the elderly man before paramedics arrived.