A DEDICATED member of Trowbridge’s Royal Air Forces Association was honoured with the highest accolade the organisation can award at a meeting at Lovemead Conservative Club on Tuesday.

John O’Reilly, who joined the RAFA in 1976, was presented with the National Presidential Certificate by the RAFA President Air Marshall Sir Dusty Miller, who visited the club with Air Vice-Marshall Martin Clark.

The 79-year-old was an electrical engineer in the RAF, working on the Lightning aircraft, after joining when he was just 15, before becoming a member of the Trowbridge branch of the RAFA and working as a Welfare Officer.

Following the presentation at the club, members and their wives enjoyed a buffet supper and Mr O’Reilly said he was proud to be recognised by the association.

“It was a surprise when I was first told about it a few weeks ago. It means a lot to me as the award is almost a BEM (British Empire Medal) and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the association,” said Mr O’Reilly.

“I joined the association in 1976 after I came out of the Royal Air Force. After I lived through the Second World War, it was always going to be a service life for me.

“The Royal Air Force has been a huge part of my life and I have always enjoyed the camaraderie. I had a long chat with Sir Dusty Miller about the service and he thanked me for the work I have done, which was very nice.

“I’ve really enjoyed being part of the RAFA and helping fellow servicemen with problems. As a serviceman, you want to do your bit to try and emphasise with others and use the experience that you have of service life.”

The RAF Association provides help the whole Royal Air Force family, offering friendship, help and support to current and former members of the RAF and their dependants.

Mr O’Reilly, who moved to Trowbridge after coming out of the RAF, added: “It was a fantastic evening and I felt very proud that I had been awarded such a huge honour.”

For more information on the RAFA, visit www.rafa.org.uk