by Emma Grove

A Sheppey ex-pat, journalist and author is launching a book about the Island’s history and the part it played in the birth of British aviation.
Flights of Inspiration looks at the momentous aviation events which took place 100 years ago, and has been written by Michael Britten, who grew up in Leysdown.
The book will be launched at the centenary celebrations at Muswell Manor on the weekend of May 2 and 3. Flights of Inspiration has two themes, the first of which are the exploits of the pioneering aviators in Leysdown and Eastchurch.
The second theme revolves around Mr Britten’s experiences of growing up on the Island, and how Leysdown developed as a major holiday destination.
It also visits other areas of the Island’s history, including the sinking of the SS Richard Montgomery and the Great Flood of 1953.
Mr Britten, 72, moved to Sheppey in 1939 with his mother, after his father joined the Army.
His parents later divorced and he was taken to live in Bournemouth and Epsom, Surrey, with his father, before returning to the Island in 1950 to live with his mother and stepfather.
He left school at 18, and after completing his National Service in the RAF, returned to Sheppey for three years before heading to London to pursue a career in journalism.
He became a sports writer, then sports editor before eventually becoming a freelance golf writer.
Mr Britten, who has dedicated his book to his daughter Jenny and her family, retired to Spain after 25 years of covering professional golf.
Flights of Inspiration is for sale at internet book shop Amazon for £9.99 but its official UK launch will be at Muswell Manor on May 2 and 3, and Mr Britten will be there for a book-signing.