THE Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) and its supporters have started collecting in towns and villages throughout the region for this year's Battle of Britain Wings Appeal.

The appeal runs for two weeks, culminating on September 15, Battle of Britain Day.

This was the day in the Second World War on which the Germans suffered most losses, claimed to be 185 aircraft, against minimal RAF losses, despite odds of five to one against.

The RAFA is a national charity, formed in 1943, to provide welfare support and comradeship to serving and ex-serving RAF personnel.

As the Second World War veterans reach their 80s and beyond, the demand for welfare care has never been greater. Today, the association has 100,000 members worldwide and a network of 600 branches.

Last year, RAFA spent about £500,000 more than was raised on providing welfare facilities and this year is opening an elderly mentally infirm unit to provide care for those suffering from illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease.

For more details about the association, becoming a volunteer, or making a donation, write to The Royal Air Forces Association, 43 Grove Park Road, London, W4 3RX.