RAF Northolt , a Royal Air Force station in South Ruislip , has been crowned Station of the Year by a national charity.

Staff from the airbase were presented with the Wilkinson Sword for the accolade, at the RAF Benevolent Fund Awards on Thursday (April 14).

The sword was presented by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford and Liz Sian, representing SafeSkys.

In 2015, RAF Northolt marked two major milestones, the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and their station centenary .

To celebrate these occasions, the station rallied to raise funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund – the RAF’s leading welfare charity – through a number of diverse fundraising events.

The station’s annual Families Day attracted more than 12,000 people both serving personnel and members of the wider community and raised £20,000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Air Marshal Chris Nickols, RAF Benevolent Fund Controller, said: “We are so grateful to everyone at RAF Northolt for their generous support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

“From taking part in our challenge events, to paying tribute to ‘The Few’ at the Battle of Britain dinner, the servicemen and women of RAF Northolt have really put their heart into fundraising for us.

“Their dedication enables us to continue the work we do in supporting the entire RAF family when in need.”

RAF Northolt received the Wilkinson Sword for Station of the Year, at the RAF Benevolent Fund Awards

The airbase played host to HRH the Duke of Kent and the remaining 'Few'

RAF Northolt also played a huge role in the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Battle of Britain 75 Anniversary dinner held in two of Northolt’s operational hangars in September.

Kindly playing host to more than 400 attendees including His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent and the remaining ‘Few,’ the station’s personnel were invaluable in their support both in the lead up and at the event itself.

The Station also held a concert which once again celebrated the 75 Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and their centenary. The concert was performed by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force and raised £2830.88 for the charity.

Group Captain David Manning, RAF Northolt's Station Commander, said: “Having the support of the RAF Benevolent Fund is pivotal in terms of how we function as a station.

“As Station Commander, my primary focus is the wellbeing of all of the personnel, indeed our Whole Force, based here at RAF Northolt.

“The welfare support that the Benevolent Fund offers to our individuals and families is so invaluable and hugely appreciated.

“Everyone in Team Northolt recognises the benefit that the RAF Benevolent Fund brings to the lives of service families and, with their usual flair, enthusiasm and panache, the Team rose to the occasion with their impressive fund raising activities.

"I am immensely proud of them all and of course we will aim to continue the fundraising effort this year!”

The Station of the Year Award was sponsored by SafeSkys, an airport services company, and sales and marketing manager Liz Sian joined in congratulating RAF Northolt at the event. SafeSkys provides wildlife management and bird control at RAF Northolt.

This is the fourth year that the RAF Benevolent Fund has recognised the outstanding contributions by our supporters, personnel on stations and corporate partners who support the charity each year.

The awards ceremony, which was sponsored by Lockheed Martin, was held at the Victory Services Club in London.