It provides a vital life-saving service delivering medicine, food and disaster response in isolated locations around the world.

And next month, people in Lowestoft are being offered the "rare" chance to see a humanitarian aircraft at close quarters - as the international NGO Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) plane 'lands' in a churchyard.

The small aircraft, which operates in more than 25 low-income countries, will be on display at St Mark’s Church in Oulton Broad, Lowestoft on Saturday, July 1.

Lowestoft Journal: Rev Helen Jary, team rector of St Mark's Church in Oulton Broad. Picture: St Mark's ChurchRev Helen Jary, team rector of St Mark's Church in Oulton Broad. Picture: St Mark's Church (Image: St Mark's Church)

And as an added incentive, people can sit in the cockpit or complete a free life-saving MAF flight courtesy of Rev Helen Jary and Mission Aviation Fellowship.

A MAF spokesman said: "St Mark’s Church is offering a rare chance to see a light aircraft 'land' in its churchyard."

Lowestoft Journal: MAF's display aircraft. Picture: MAFMAF's display aircraft. Picture: MAF (Image: MAF)

Both MAF’s display aircraft and state-of-the-art flight simulator will be part of St Mary’s annual summer fete, being held between noon and 4pm in the church and vicarage grounds on Bridge Road, Oulton Broad.

Lowestoft Journal: MAF's flight simulator. Picture: MAFMAF's flight simulator. Picture: MAF (Image: MAF)

Locals are invited to enjoy drinks, cake games and craft stalls throughout the afternoon.

Rev Helen Jary said: "MAF is an exciting and inspiring organisation, and we want everyone in our community to know about it.

"Everyone is welcome – and our summer fete will be a fantastic day for all ages."

Lowestoft Journal: St Mark's Church summer fete. Picture: St Mark's ChurchSt Mark's Church summer fete. Picture: St Mark's Church (Image: St Mark's Church)

St Mark’s PCC secretary and MAF volunteer Jane Ward is helping organise the event.

In November 2021, as lockdown restrictions eased, Jane and two friends raised more than £1,000 for MAF by swimming the distance of the English Channel in their local swimming pool.

Lowestoft Journal: St Mark's Mermaids supported MAF. Picture: St Mark's MermaidsSt Mark's Mermaids supported MAF. Picture: St Mark's Mermaids (Image: St Mark's Mermaids)

Known as St Mark’s Mermaids, the trio supported MAF as it delivered Covid-19 vaccines and coronavirus equipment to some of the most isolated communities on Earth.

Mrs Ward said: "MAF does such good, positive stuff.

"I think it’s amazing that a charity which started after the Second World War to use planes for peace is still going strong and helps so many people in isolated places."

Visit St Mark’s Facebook page for further details.