Only Fools and Horses star winging his way to RAF Syerston

Actor Sir David Jason is due to fly in to RAF Syerston on May 29 for the launch of the new RAF Air Cadets' flight simulator.

A qualified helicopter pilot, Sir David is said to be a huge fan of the air cadets which take delivery of the first of 25 new flight simulators on that day, all sponsored by the RAF Charitable Trust.

Sir Kevin Leeson, chairman of the RAF Charitable Trust is also presenting a £1m cheque sponsoring the air cadets, a national organisation parented by the RAF providing opportunities for teenagers aged 13-19 at 1,000 squadrons across the UK.

The RAF Air Cadets comprises both the Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force (RAF).

In Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire there are several squadrons of Air Training Corps cadets and a number of school-based units of the Combined Cadet Force (RAF).

A number of cadets and adult volunteers will attend the launch and meet Sir David, famous for his roles in A Touch of Frost; Only Fools and Horses and the Darling Buds of May to mention just a few.

The events will take place at RAF Syerston, the home of the RAF’s newly reformed 2 Flying Training School led by Group Captain John Middleton of Newark.

No. 2 Flying Training School (FTS) manages 25 gliding schools across the UK, these are known as Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGSs) as they are run by volunteers.

The VGSs are key in delivering glider flight training to the RAF Air Cadets' 42,000 cadets. Many of the cadets achieve their wings before they pass their driving licence.