RAF High Wycombe has been crowned ‘Best RAF station’ at the first ever RAF Benevolent Fund’s awards ceremony.

The station was recognised for raising over £35,000 at the ceremony held at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London last Thursday.

Over the last three years the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, has spent over £1million helping to serve personnel and families at the High Wycombe station.

RAF High Wycombe’s Station Commander, Group Captain Mark Heffron, said of the Benevolent Fund: “Its work is second to none.

“It helps families, serving personnel, civilians, and it enables us to take care of everybody.”

The station was helped by the Thursday Club, a group made up of serving RAF personnel and RAF family members, who organised a number of the events.

Wing Commander Niki Stacey, a member of the Thursday Club, said: “A definite highlight of 2012 was our Bollywood Night which raised over £15,000 for the Benevolent Fund.”

The £35,000 total was reached through other fundraising initiatives too, including dinners, gift fairs and bucket collections.

The awards ceremony is designed to recognise stand-out contributions made by a few of the dedicated individuals and corporate partners who support the charity.

Speaking on behalf of the RAF Benevolent Fund, Air Marshal Chris Nickols said: “As a charity with no government income we rely on this kind of wonderful enthusiasm for our work.

“We simply could not provide the level of support for those who need help without it.”