A BIG-HEARTED pilot lifted spirits in Worcestershire by creating a smiley face in the skies using his plane's vapour trail.

Captain Richard Goodwin helped banish the lockdown blues after a torrid year for many by creating the giant smiley face in blue skies over Worcestershire on Easter Sunday using a plane he built himself.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Richard Goodwin's planeRichard Goodwin's plane

The 58-year-old former RAF Tornado pilot, who is passionate about modifying, building and displaying biplanes, could not resist the chance to climb in the cockpit on a beautiful day to bring a smile to our faces.

The father-of-five flew at 10,000 feet over Worcestershire in his aerobatic biplane (a Pitts S2S) to create the beaming face which had a 1,800 metre diameter and was visible from across the county.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Richard Goodwin made us all smile this EasterRichard Goodwin made us all smile this Easter

The furloughed TUI captain, who is eager to fly people on their holidays as soon as restrictions are lifted, said: "I was trying to cheer people up a bit really.

"We are so close to the end now."

Mr Goodwin also regularly assists a charity called Fly2Help which gives people the chance to enjoy aviation experiences. His mission to lift spirits clearly worked.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Photo by Kim Russell-SmithPhoto by Kim Russell-Smith

The pilot, sponsored by Anana, retweeted a number of messages and photos featuring photos of the smiley face.

One Tweet read: "Happy Easter to you too!"

Another observer, who tagged Mr Goodwin, wrote: "An Easter smiley, much appreciated over Worcestershire!"

Kidderminster Shuttle: Photo courtesy of Keith and Jayne Lewis in St John's, WorcesterPhoto courtesy of Keith and Jayne Lewis in St John's, Worcester

The airman created a smiley face and a heart in the sky on Bank Holiday Monday after the restrictions were lifted on recreational flying a week before.