Sword award recognises an airbase’s community spirit

The award is given as part of a series of competitions with four Swords of Peace awarded each year, one each to the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, as well as a Joint Service Award.

Firmin and Sons is a Birmingham-based company which produces swords, bayonets, and other ceremonial items to the military.

The awards are given to the unit of each service that has been judged to have established good relations with a community at home or overseas.

The award recognises work done by the squadron around Northallerton.

It has supported a host of charities, was involved in a number of ceremonial occasions including more than 20 remembrance events around the region and it also hosted more than 1,800 pupils from across Yorkshire at an event to learn about home safety.

RAF Leeming’s new station commander, Group Captain Steve Reeves, said: “I was delighted to accept the Firmin Sword of Peace on behalf of RAF Leeming.

“Although I have only just arrived at the station, the close relationship with the wider community was obvious.”