HE'S been going to Southampton Airport for 60 years, watched it grow into a swish regional facility and is now a daily visitor.

His face has become so familiar that he is on Christian name terms with all the airport staff. But Basil Winkworth is much more than just a plane spotter.

The likeable retired Southampton stamp dealer just loves meeting people and has now been officially hailed as an integral part of the local aviation world.

The 78-year-old walks from his home in High Road, Swaythling, every day and, for years, has brought in cakes for the airport staff every Thursday.

But the tables were turned when they found out it was Basil's birthday. He was ushered into a VIP lounge and showered with gifts - including a special birthday cake and tickets for a flight to Dublin.

Basil's trips to the airport started when he lived in Peacehaven as a youngster and spent holidays in Eastleigh.

"I used to sit and watch the trains and planes," he explained.

He moved to Swaythling 53 years ago and had to fit in trips to the airport around his work as a director of philatelic company Stuart Covers Ltd.

But since his retirement eight and a half years ago the widower can be found at Southampton International every morning and some afternoons.

Ask Basil what makes him keep going back and he'll say: "I love meeting people, there is a lovely staff here, they are a happy lot.

"I like to see people going on holiday - and it's lovely to see people arriving and being greeted by a lovely big hug and kiss.

"No matter who it is, when I'm upstairs in the viewing galley people come and sit next to me and have a chat."

But the VIP reception for his 78th birthday almost left him lost for words. "It's a complete surprise and very, very nice," he said.

Airport spokeswoman Jan Halliday said: "Basil is known by everybody here at the airport. He has always got a smile on his face and quite often he is carrying a lot of cakes.

"We just thought this was a lovely opportunity for us, for once, to buy him a cake and wish him a happy birthday because he is very much part of Southampton Airport."

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