One of Britain's great Second World War pilots has died, leaving a spectacular cine-camera account of his daring exploits in the hostile skies above Nazi Germany.

Flight Lieutenant Norman Glaholm's pictures, taken from his cockpit, have never been seen before and are destined for London's Imperial War Museum.

Yesterday, mourners were at the funeral of the 84-year-old, who earned the Air Force Cross and Distinguished Flying Medal for 38 successful bombing raids.

Mr Glaholm, from Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, was a member of 106 Squadron based in Lincoln and at one point served under the famous Dambuster, Wing Commander Guy Gibson.

He would take a cine-camera up into the sky to record the amazing views of Nazi Germany - which he realised one day would become collectors items.

His daughter Elizabeth Hickson, from Whitley Bay, who unearthed Norman's archives, said: "Dad was a very brave man."

Norman was given five days leave in October 1940 and travelled from London to Tyneside to marry his sweetheart, Claire.

The pair were married for 52 years before she died 11 years ago. They had four daughters, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He left the RAF in 1946 and was awarded the 1935-45 Star, the Air Crew European Star, the Defence Medal and the War Medal.

One of his proudest possessions was a signed letter from King George with his Air Force Cross which said: "I greatly regret that I am unable to give you personally this award which you have so well earned.''