THE Hampshire dad who missed his son’s graduation after being denied boarding a plane has been given a second chance to celebrate the “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, David Podger was left at Southampton Airport and could not be at his son’s graduation in Leeds after he was told the plane was overweight.

The 58-year-old part-time actor was meant to take the Eastern Airways flight from Southampton airport to Leeds and watch his son Tom graduate on the morning of July 20.

But when he arrived to the gate at Southampton Airport he was told he could not board as the pilot had to increase the fuel due to forecasted thunderstorm en route and this resulted in the need to offload two passengers to allow the flight to depart safely.

Now Leeds Trinity University has reunited the student Tommy Podger and his dad for a second graduation photo opportunity.

Tim Leadbeater, director of student support at Leeds Trinity University, said: “We were really disappointed to hear Tommy was unable to celebrate graduation with his whole family, and wanted to do something to make it right.

“Studying for a degree is intellectually and mentally demanding; it requires a great deal of hard work, perseverance and determination; and graduation is a day of joy and celebration, to be shared with the whole family. We truly care about our students and wanted to offer Tommy, David and their family the opportunity to recreate graduation, all together.”

The university organised a photoshoot for Tommy, David and their family in Petersfield.

David said: “We felt very grateful that they made it possible for us to have pictures together as a family. The university went a long way to enabling us to enjoy the occasion as a family but nothing will replace the fact that I wasn’t present for the ceremony. I still have received nothing from the Eastern Airways.”

Mr Podger said he has not been contacted by the airline yet.

As previously reported, a spokesperson for Eastern Airways told the Daily Echo that Mr Podger is entitled to a full refund.

Now an Eastern Airways spokesperson added: “Mr Podger was apologised to on the day by our representatives at Southampton airport.

“He was advised to contact Eastern Airways Customer Relations team regarding the compensation that he is due. We have since had no direct contact from Mr Podger.”