AFTER 36 years working for her Majesty’s service airman Fred Dawson was given a 007-style send-off from his military life.

He swapped his Station Warrant Officer’s cane for an umbrella and bowler hat to mark his retirement from the RAF and transition to civilian life.

And after a spectacular flight over the Lake District in one of Linton-on-Ouse’s Tucano aircraft he returned to Earth for a Bond-style farewell tour of the base – in a gleaming Aston Martin Vanquish.

Colleagues arranged his last day to send him off in style. Station commander Group Captain David Cooper piloted the Tucano and Greenway Garage supplied the car – complete with 007 plates.

And champagne was served up by members of Number 72 (Reserve) Squadron to celebrate Warrant Officer Dawson’s outstanding career as an RAF policeman.