THE York branch of the RAF Association raised more than £12,000 last year as part of a fundraising campaign, and has raised another £2,500 so far this year.

In 2017, the branch raised £12,463 for the Wings Appeal, which is the RAF Association’s ongoing fundraising campaign.

It is the fundraising arm of the association and helps raise the vital funds needed to support serving and former RAF personnel and their families.

In 2018, the branch’s Wings Appeal team of volunteers, led by Ian and Maureen Smith, has already raised £2,500 for the appeal.

Following last year’s fundraising success, Maureen and Ian have thanked all branch members who gave up their own time to help run the Wings stall or hold a collection tin and also to the businesses in and around York that looked after the collection tins or donated to the cause.

A spokesman for the branch added: “However, if it weren’t for the generosity of the people of York, there is no way this sum of money could be raised.”

This year marks the centenary of the formation of the Royal Air Force and the RAF Association’s York branch is planning some special events to mark this milestone. The branch will hold a celebration lunch, a barbecue, additional fundraising activities and a 1940s themed evening.