AN RAF regiment has paid tribute to one of its fallen comrades by sponsoring his former primary school.

Andy Wilson died after jumping from an aeroplane at Shotton Airfield, near Peterlee, County Durham, in June.

His body was found in a field, a mile away from the airfield.

Since then, the 25-year-old's RAF regiment has raised £6,000 in his memory and has offered to sponsor his former primary school for a year.

Mr Wilson's parents, John and Christine, with whom he lived in St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, said that they have been deeply touched by the support they have received from RAF Squadron 34, which is based at RAF Leeming.

Mrs Wilson said: "They gave him a full military funeral and some of the lads even paid their own air fair from Cyprus just to come and pay their respects.''

Mrs Wilson, who works at St Helens Auckland Primary School, said she was overwhelmed that the squadron had chosen to sponsor it for a year. She said: "They have already arranged a trip for the children to go and have a look round. They are very, very kind lads. They have been brilliant and we want to say a big thank you to them all.''

Last week, members of the squadron battled it out with Bishop Auckland Rugby Club in a charity clash to raise money in Mr Wilson's memory.

Afterwards, following RAF tradition, they auctioned off his kit and the money raised will go towards a trophy, which will be presented to the most promising new recruit.