Worcester's record-breaking aviation pioneer

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Sheila Scott broke over 100 records in her lifetime but remains largely unknown amongst the public. She flew through weather that nearly killed her countless times, undertaking considerable cost and risk in her epic voyages, which included the longest solo flight ever made around the world in 1966, becoming only the third person to do so. Born in Worcester in 1922, her first flying experience was at Pitchcroft. Her dad owned a bakery on Broad Street, but her childhood was filled with turbulence. She worked as a nurse during World War Two, then had a short-lived career as an actress. Taking to the skies regularly wasn't on her radar until the late 1950s. Scott was full of style and sensationally popular. Crowds would welcome her home and featured on the biggest programmes around, including Desert Island Discs and had an episode of This Is Your Life dedicated to her. Jasmine Kee from The Hive and Tom Mandall from the University of Worcester share how the faithful city is shining the spotlight on its incredibly skilled and courageous pilot, who also broke records for flying over the Atlantic Ocean and became the first person to fly over the North Pole in 1971. Presenter: Gavin Kermack Producer: Phillip Stoneman Image credit: Mirrorpix/Getty