Latest news with #RAFLeeming
BBC News
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
RAF pilot's final flight in North Yorkshire after 45 years
An RAF pilot has said he was "quite emotional" after making his final solo flight after a 45-year flying career which saw him amass about 16,000 hours in the Lt Richard "Ricko" Offord, 64, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, first took to the skies for the air force in 1980 and has been based at RAF Leeming since his career, he piloted several different models of fast jet and in 1995 was forced to eject from his Tornado F3 after a mid-air Lt Offord said he was "a bit sad" about his retirement, and was saluted by fire engines upon landing at RAF Leeming and surprised by colleagues, family and friends, but added: "I've had a pretty good innings." After his final flight, Flt Lt Offord, who is RAF Leeming's longest serving fast jet pilot, said: "I started flying fighters in 1982. It's quite a long time, so I'm not too upset."However, he said his time in the sky had not fully come to an end."I'll carry on flying, but I can't do it in military planes," he explained."You can only do it up to age 65, unfortunately, and I'm 65 on Tuesday, so this is it." Asked about any dramatic incidents during his long career, Flt Lt Offord said: "I was once knocked out and woke up on the ground in Lincolnshire."We were doing air combat and I bumped into the other aircraft, so his tail and my wing came off. They don't fly very well without tails or wings."Pondering his lucky escape further, he added: "I didn't fly for a year due to back injuries, but all four of us ejected and everyone walked away, so that's the main thing."Speaking about the surprise welcoming committee and celebrations waiting for him after he landed for the final time in his Hawker Hunter at RAF Leeming, Flt Lt Offord said: "I had a little tear, to be fair.""I had no idea they were going to be here," he said."The whole reception with mates and fire engines, it's made me a bit emotional." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
09-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Service child award for boy, 10, who 'lives life to the full'
A 10-year-old boy who lives with a brain injury and epilepsy has been hailed as an inspiration at an awards Macrae, who lives at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, was crowned Inspirational Service Child of the Year by North Yorkshire was also praised for the way he had coped with the death of his younger father, Simon, said: "We are so pleased for Finlay. His life so far has been difficult, more difficult than it should be for anyone so little, so for something positive to come of it is lovely." Finlay received the award at a ceremony in Leyburn, which highlighted moments of "courage, bravery, and extraordinary achievements" by children and adults, connected to North Yorkshire's armed forces sister Caitlin was stillborn in 2016, and his brother Rowan, then aged five, died two years ago from a brain a series of seizures in 2020, Finlay underwent a series of medical tests, and was diagnosed with epilepsy and a brain mother, Kathryn, said: "Since his diagnosis his life has changed for the better as he finally has answers for why his brain is the way that it is."She added: "We are so very proud of Finlay for his constant resilience. "How his brain works is amazing. He is able to retain information, like navigate the London Underground without needing a Tube map, he has memorised the routes and lines."Mrs Macrae said Finlay was a child who thinks "life is for living, we as a family also stand by this". 'Inspire others' An awards spokesperson said: "Despite hardships, Finlay's strength of character is evident as he pushes boundaries determined to live life to the full, as well as keeping the memory alive of his siblings."They said Finlay made the decision to speak at Rowan's funeral and had since always spoken about him "to help break the taboo of child death".The council's executive member for children and families, councillor Janet Sanderson, said it was important that service children were celebrated and it was "important to share their stories to inspire others".More than 90 children, young people and organisations were nominated for the awards, with nine winners. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
