Florist creates stunning spitfire tribute to Sir Jack Hayward

The plane has been made using white gypsophila flowers and a selection of grasses and moss that are held together with ribbons and string.

Paul Mincher, who owns Buds of Tettenhall on Lower Street, Tettenhall, made the model around six months ago.

After posting a photograph of it on the shops Facebook page, he was contacted by Patti Bloom, Sir Jack's companion of many years, who said she and Jack thought it was a great piece of work.

Sir Jack served in the RAF during the Second World War, first as a pilot officer in the 671 Squadron S.E. Asia Command in India before being de-mobilised as a flight lieutenant in 1946.

The spitfire has been altered to have the markings of the squadron on its wings following Sir Jack's death.

Mr Mincher said: "I made the Spitfire a while ago and when Patti contacted me to say how much she and Jack enjoyed it, I said they could have it.

"Unfortunately there was never an opportunity for them to collect it so I think this is a perfect way for me to pay my respects."

Mr Mincher, 42, a lifelong Wolves fan, used to work with the club as a community coach, giving football lessons to school children in the city.

He met Sir Jack on a couple of occasions through his work.

He said: "Jack was a truly loyal gentleman who did a lot for the city and the club he loved.

"My lasting memory is of his brown shoes, he wore the same shoes on each of the occasions I had the pleasure of meeting him."

The Spitfire will go in the reception at Molineux, by a book of condolences for fans to leave messages of condolence.

Fans and supporters groups have left flowers, wreaths, and Wolves' scarves and shirts at the Billy Wright statue outside Molineux in memory of Sir Jack.

The club have also asked fans wishing to leave memories and tributes of Sir Jack to do so on their Facebook page, with as many as possible used online over coming days or in the match day programme.