It was always Martin Nichols’ dream to fly in a Spitfire ever since the day he watched his dad ride in a Lancaster Bomber when he was a child.

But on Sunday the 39-year-old delivery driver from Lenwade lived his childhood dream when he flew the famous Second World War aircraft over the north Norfolk coast.

The once-in-a-lifetime flying experience was top of Mr Nichols' bucket list, which he put together after he was diagnosed with stage four cancer last month. 

Eastern Daily Press: Martin Nichols with his family before taking off in the Spitfire from Norwich Airport Martin Nichols with his family before taking off in the Spitfire from Norwich Airport (Image: Supplied)Eastern Daily Press: Martin Nichols in the Spitfire before taking off Martin Nichols in the Spitfire before taking off (Image: Supplied)

"It was absolutely incredible," Mr Nichols said. 

"The experience just takes your breath away. There’s nothing on the planet that compares."

He took off from Norwich Airport last Sunday (May 19) afternoon, flying over Coltishall and Aylsham before putting on a show over Cromer Pier and Mundesley.

"Just as we got to Cromer the clouds disappeared and opened up into crystal clear blue skies," he said. 

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"The pilot said: ‘How are you feeling – shall we give them a show?’

"We were doing barrel rolls, victory rolls and loop-the-loops over the pier. I was upside down looking at all of my family and the people on the pier.

"I even got the chance to take over the controls from the pilot. It was a surreal and overwhelming experience."

Eastern Daily Press: The Spitfire flying over NorfolkThe Spitfire flying over Norfolk (Image: Supplied)Eastern Daily Press: Martin Nichols and pilot BarryMartin Nichols and pilot Barry (Image: Supplied)

Mr Nichols was in hospital for several months over Christmas and New Year because of complications with Crohn's Disease - a condition he has suffered from for more than 20 years. 

He nearly died after developing sepsis, but recovered well and came out of hospital at the end of January this year in time for his 39th birthday. 

However, an operation last month found traces of cancer in his bowel, which had already spread.

Eastern Daily Press: Martin Nichols and his brother StevenMartin Nichols and his brother Steven (Image: Supplied)

Eastern Daily Press: The Spitfire flying over Norfolk on SundayThe Spitfire flying over Norfolk on Sunday (Image: Supplied)

Now, his family and friends are raising money to fulfil his bucket list wishes.

To donate, visit the 'Help achieve Martin's Bucket List' GoFundMe page.