A member of Trowbridge’s Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) was honoured during the organisation’s annual conference.

Mike Fryer, 74, of Southwood Road, received the Presidential Certificate, the highest accolade the RAFA can give, during the weekend event in Eastbourne.

Mr Fryer, who lives with wife Lyn, 67, joined the Trowbridge branch in 1985, and was handed his award by the association’s president air marshal Sir Dusty Miller.

“I was quite gobsmacked when I first received the letter and I just passed it to my wife as I didn’t really know what to say,” said Mr Fryer.

“I feel greatly honoured and privileged to have been selected. Receiving the certificate was a proud moment and I really enjoyed the conference.”

Mr Fryer joined the RAF in 1970, serving for 12 years as an air electrical fitter, travelling across Europe and the Caribbean.

For over 20 years, he has managed the Trowbridge branch’s Wings Appeal, which takes place natioanlly in September, commemorating the Battle of Britain.

The appeal, aims to raise £2m each year, with the money raised providing support to those currently serving as well as ex-servicemen.

ITrowbridge’s branch will be collecting in Trowbridge Park, at Wiltshire Armed Forces & Veterans Weekend, on June 29 and 30, Also, in the coming months, they’ll be collecting at The Shires Shopping Centre and at Sainsbury’s in Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon as part of the appeal.

Mr Fryer said: “I consider this award as an acknowledgement to the team as I couldn’t do this alone. We have a great feeling of comradery and I’m pleased to be part of the appeal and the branch.”

The Trowbridge RAFA branch meet monthly at Lovemead House, in Roundstone Street.