A RETIRED RAF engineer has written a book looking into the history and changes of a plane he spent four years and around 2,000 hours flying.

'No Ordinary Hercules: The Story of Hercules XV208' is now available to purchase, with a portion of the money going to the Royal Air Force Association's Wings Appeal.

The book's author Alan Kidson, from Bridport, served in the RAF for 39 years, mainly as an air engineer.

During his time he was part of crew that flew Hastings, Britannias, Argosies and VC 10s but spent most of his time on various types of Hercules aircrafts, such as the titular 'XV208'.

Mr Kidson gets involved in fundraising activities as part of the Bridport & Lyme Regis registered members group of the Royal Air Forces Association. The group has struggled with its usual fundraising over the past year as a result of the pandemic.

Mr Kidson said: "I started working on the book just before the first lockdown, I was able to do quite a lot of research before the pandemic started.

"I stalled a little as the year went on but during this current lockdown I figured I had enough spare time and was able to finish it off.

"I have flown more than 2,000 miles with the aircraft so I have a personal connection with it."

The book tells the tale of the Hercules XV208, one of 66 Hercules' aircraft built for the RAF. It covers the changes the aircraft has seen since it was first built in 1954, and the work it has carried out over that time.

Mr Kidson worked with the Hercules XV208 from 1967 to 1970 in the Far East. Later, he spent a further four years with the aircraft in Farnborough.

Mr Kidson added: "We haven’t been able to fundraise for the RAFA, we’ve had to cancel a lot over the past year.

"It’s so important to do as much fundraising as we can. We’ve got a few people in Bridport who are somewhat reliant on us.

"Throughout the country there’s a lot of people who struggle and are helped by the RAFA to live more comfortably. People I’ve known personally are being aided by the organisation so it is important.

"It’s great to be able to do something to support our cause as opportunities to do so are few and far between at the moment."

Bridport & Lyme Regis RAFA is still planning to host its annual events in August or September, but these will both be subject to government restrictions.

The book is now available to buy for £8.99 and £1 from each copy will go toward's the RAF's Wings Appeal.

To purchase a copy, email Mr Kidson at oldpompey@gmail.com