Phyl Gibbard, who flew a plane for the first time at the age of 81, has died on her 90th birthday.

She returned from her first overseas visit -- a day trip to France -- and told her family: "Now I've been abroad, I want to fly."

As a surprise birthday present two weeks later, she climbed aboard a Piper Warrior light aircraft at Oxford Airport, Kidlington, for a flying lesson. During the half-hour flight, she took the controls for 10 minutes.

At the controls with pilot Gino Gambara Mrs Gibbard, of Evans Lane, Kidlington, was born at Glympton and worked on the estate. Later, she worked at Spencer Court old people's home in Woodstock.

Among her hobbies were bingo and gardening.

Husband Leonard died 10 years ago.

She leaves sons William and Terry, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.