LYNEHAM has been awarded the prestigious Wilkinson Sword of Peace as the RAF unit which has made the most valuable contribution to establishing good relations with communities both locally and overseas.

Air Marshall Sir Christopher Coville pres-ented the engraved sword to Lyneham's station com-mander Group Captain Steve Duffill.

Lyneham spokesman, Flight Lieutenant Tom Draper, said: "RAF Lyneham was awarded the sword through its involvement in a wide variety of projects that have helped maintain and cultivate links with the local community and in under-developed areas of the world such as Romania and Kenya."

Activities included convoys to Romania and assisting a child care centre in Kenya, transporting aid to a hospital and orphanage as well as raising more than £250,000 for local, national and international charities.