A Bradford war veteran, who served as an air gunner on Wellington bombers, is in line for a national heritage award.

George Martin, 87, is one of three regional winners of the Nationwide Community and Heritage Awards and is now preparing to travel to London for the final.

Mr Martin was nominated for the award by the Yorkshire Air Museum, near York, where he has worked for the past 25 years as a volunteer, restoring aircraft gun turrets and creating an Air Gunners Room exhibition.

The veteran, who was born in Laisterdyke, lost the little finger on his right hand and suffered burns when his plane was hit by flak above Dortmund while returning from a mission in May 1943.

His aircraft made it back to base and he was hospitalised. His crew went out on another mission two nights later and the plane was lost.

Mr Martin will travel to the Tower of London on Tuesday, November 11, to fly the flag for the museum at the ceremony, where the national winners will be announced.

He said: “I am very pleased about it – I didn’t expect it at all.

“I first got involved 25 years ago when one of my grandsons said there was something going on there, so my wife and I went down.

“There was a team of air gunners and wireless operators working on these turrets from crash sites so I joined in to help them.

“At the moment I’m the last survivor of this lot that can still go there. All the rest have either died or it’s impossible for them to get there.”

Mr Martin also gives talks to schools and visitors on his experiences as an air gunner. He said: “Over the years I have spoken to thousands of people.

“Going to London should be good, although I’m not sure really because I can’t walk very far. I can’t see very well, I can’t hear very well and I can’t breathe very well. Apart from that I’m all right.

“I’m excited about going really – the last time I was in London I was dodging bombs so it will be a bit different this time.”

Organised by Nationwide Building Society and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the awards recognise outstanding individual contributions to the nation’s heritage and community.

Museum spokesman Ian Richardson said: “We are thrilled George has been selected as a regional winner and finalist in the Community and Heritage Awards.

“He has entertained literally thousands of visitors with his recollections over the years and has enthralled many school groups.

“He nearly gave his life in service of his country and has continued to give of himself over a lifetime.

“We wish him every success and hope he may become a national winner – he certainly deserves it.”

Mr Martin, who now lives in Harrogate, volunteered for the RAF in 1940 at Blackpool and after training was attached to 199 Squadron at Ingham, Lincolnshire, as a wireless operator and air gunner.