A LOCAL charity attended a recent Popham Airfield fly-in event 'Show Me Yours'.

Hants and Berks 4x4 are part of the National 4x4 Response Network. Volunteers work with emergency services and government agencies in times of national or local crisis. In recent times they have been busy delivering PPE, vaccines, food and water.

Volunteers were at the ready to assist with vehicle extraction if things had turned muddy, and partnered with the airfield marshals to keep the public safe, with trained first aiders on site.

READ MORE: Elections 2023: Basingstoke parties have their say on why you should vote for them

A display showed some of the equipment at the volunteers' disposal and even had a 'Rescue Me' challenge for kids of all sizes. The aim was to accurately throw a Dry Bag at a target. A dry bag is used to secure a safety line, when required, for water rescue.

Volunteers, who own a 4x4 or SUV, are DBS checked and given training by professionally qualified instructors in skills such as rescue, recovery and first aid.

Amongst the 150-plus light aircraft on display were gyroscopes, paragliders, a Spitfire replica and an authentic De Havilland Tiger Moth from 1940. The Tiger Moth was piloted by Steve Bohill-Smith, who had flown in from the West London Aero Club at White Waltham Airfield, Maidenhead.

Out of an original 1,2000 Tiger Moths that were built at the Cowley car plant, this is just one of about 100 left in the country. Destined for the Royal Navy it was used as a training craft for pilots who then went on to fly either Bombers or Fighters.

READ MORE: Basingstoke private hospital to be prosecuted for incident two years ago

Facilities at Popham Airfield include a club house, open to the public, serving a delicious array of traditional breakfast, sandwiches and cakes. 

Hants and Berks 4x4 can be contacted regarding public events and can advise or help with public safety, key personnel transportation in adverse weather conditions or other logistical or emergency needs. More information on Hants and Berks 4x4 can be found at hampshire4x4response.co.uk.