RAFA's Wings Appeal thanks to Cadet Humby and colleagues

Mitchell and five colleagues were the guests of Bexhill branch of the Royal Air Forces Association on Sunday lunch-time.

Two club members have donated a handsome silver-plated salver in grateful recognition of all that the squadron does for the branch; in particular in collecting for Wings Appeal every year.

The trophy will be awarded annually to the cadet collecting the most cash.

Mitchell, 16, of London Road was already doing well with his collecting tin in Western Road when a well-wisher generously put a 200 cheque into the tin.

Mitchell collected more than 259 in total.

There was applause all round the room as branch president Ken Igglesden presented Mitchell with the salver. He told the assembly: "It is a great pleasure this morning to have members of NO. 2262 (Bexhill) Squadron ATC with us...

"I would like to say how grateful we are for all that they do for us. They are raising a lot of money and I thank you all for coming this morning."

Explaining the gift of the salver, the president said: We are very grateful.

"It will be presented annually to the cadet collecting the most money."

Mitchell said of the anonymous donor's cheque: "I saw it go in the tin but I had no idea what it was.

"It's amazing."

The same donor had handed in a similar contribution to Wings Appeal last year to help RAFA with its welfare work on behalf of former members of the Royal Air Forces and their dependents.

Mitchell's ambition is to join the RAF and train to fly Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft.