A NORTH Yorkshire airbase has won a national award for its support to RAF veterans.

RAF Linton-on-Ouse station commander Group Captain Mike Longstaff accepted the Sir Geoffrey Bromet Trophy at the RAF Association’s annual conference in Bournemouth.

The base beat off competition from the rest of the RAF to win the award for its "exceptional achievement in support of the RAF Association."

The trophy recognises Linton’s contribution towards raising funds and helping to find new recruits for RAFA - which cares for former members of the service.

Linton’s RAFA liaison officer, Flight Lieutenant Andy McIntrye, said: "We have a team of 17 volunteers at Linton. They come from all ranks and are exceptionally keen and dedicated."

He added: "RAF Linton-on-Ouse maintains a year-round effort in terms of raising awareness and funding and we worked particularly hard throughout 2008 to strengthen the station's links with our local branches.

"It is a fantastic honour for the team's hard work to be recognised at a national level."

*Air Vice Marshal Sir Geoffrey Rhodes Bromet was commended for his service in Gallipoli during the First World War. In the Second World War he commanded Numbers 19 and 247 Groups. He was later appointed the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man and he married Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s daughter Jean.