I find the guys at LBA very helpful. On a distant trip past, because I couldn't show me friend some airport down south (I forget which one) we returned but instead of going to Barton direct we went via Leeds do "ponce about" and see his old house. A zone transit was readily approved after the following discussion:
Them: "G-SA your zone transit is approved not above 1500' QNH, route towards the field.. *momentary pause* Do you know the area well?"
Me: "Yes, I live about 3 miles on the centreline"
Them: "Do you know the roundabout on the ring road, where it crosses the A660? One of the controllers live there and perhaps you could circle over it so we can plot it on the scope"
Me: "Of course, i'll route there now and call you overhead"
**makes a few orbits over location**
Them: "That's great, we've spoken to tower and they aren't busy so they've authorised a low pass over the runway. Contact them now on 118.025 Thanks again"
Me: "Nice one, we'll enjoy that. 118.025 thanks"
...most amusing days flying for a long time
Although admittedly, that was before jet2 really ramped up the operation!
Horgy