THE RAF base in Odiham showed off its prowess in helping a military charity by being placed as the top station in the country.

RAF Odiham was crowned as Station of the Year at the RAF Benevolent Fund’s annual awards.

The award is given to the RAF station which has supported the Fund in every way during the past year, from raising funds, to raising awareness and doing all they can to support the Fund and the work it does providing assistance to the serving RAF community.

Raising money for the RAF Benevolent Fund is something that the station is actively involved in, and over the last 12 months, RAF Odiham have raised more than £20,000 for the charity.

Every year, many personnel run the Fleet Half Marathon, while others carry out collections in the local area on a regular basis with other fundraising activities taking place.

On collecting the award, Group Captain Lee Turner, Station Commander RAF Odiham, said: “We are thrilled to have been named Station of the Year by the RAF Benevolent Fund.

“Over the last 12 months, the Fund has supported us in three key areas: supporting those who have suffered bereavement or loss; providing community support to the service family; and through development.

“We have benefitted greatly from this, so it feels good to be able to give something back.”

Air Vice-Marshal David Murray, Chief Executive at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Huge congratulations to RAF Odiham and all the personnel and families stationed there for this well-deserved award.

“Our annual awards night is a fantastic opportunity to thank all of our incredible fundraisers and supporters, their enthusiasm and generosity truly means the world to us.

“This year’s awards take place in our centenary year, and this week we launched a major campaign to double the number of people we reach. This means that spreading the word about how the Fund can support the RAF Family is just as important as raising funds.

“By tirelessly showing their support and dedication, RAF Odiham is helping us achieve both goals, and for that I can’t begin to express our gratitude.

“From all of us here at the Fund – thank you.”