A TROPHY donated in honour of one of the first cadets to enter RAF Cranwell in 1920 has been awarded to an officer in recognition for his charity work.

Air Cdre Rex Waite was one of the first cadets at RAF College Cranwell and, after becoming an A1 Flying Instructor, he was largely engaged in anti-submarine duties during the Second World War.

Immediately following the end of hostilities in Europe, he moved to HQ Control in Berlin where he organised the Berlin Airlift during the Russian blockade of the city.

After Air Cdre Waite's death in May 1975, his family approached the station to donate a trophy in his honour.

It was decided it would be established as the RAF Cranwell Charities Award trophy.

This year, the winner of the Air Cdre Rex Waite Trophy was Sgt Jason Parr from RAF Cranwell's Operations Squadron.

Sgt Parr's contribution to charity and his community has involved organising the annual senior citizens' Christmas party as well as training and competing in an Ironman triathlon for charity.

The event took place in June this year at Nice, France in temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius where he endured a 3.8 mile sea swim, a 118 mile cycle and a full marathon run. He completed this in aid of CLIC Sergeant Cancer Care and raised nearly £1,000.

During a presentation event his citation was read which included: "This Ironman event, while demanding in isolation, is even more impressive when combined with a full time demanding career, a young family and a commitment to community service and fundraising.

"Though Sgt Parr's monetary contribution may seem small in comparison with some bigger events, his is the long term, genuine commitment to charity and community which benefits people consistently.

"The time and physical efforts he gives to organising events for the benefit of others and to raise funds is phenomenal. He is selfless and genuine and truly represents the very best of the Service at all events he organises and attends."

Sgt Parr was unable to attend the ceremony due to an overseas posting, but his award was collected on his behalf by Flt Lt Amy Grogan, from Operation Squadron.

During the presentation evening local charities from across the area were given a donation from the Station's charities committee.

These included Sleaford Laffletics Club which creates and provides sport and recreational opportunities for disabled people in Sleaford and the surrounding areas and Sleaford Larder which receives referrals for anyone in the area in food crisis and which then provides a three-day food parcel and other necessary items to those in need.

Presentations were also made to two service charities, SSAFA Forces Help Cranwell, a support service offering a variety of services from health and social services, to supporting the ex-service community, and The RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF's leading welfare charity which offers support and assistance to men, women and children of the RAF family past, present and future.