OUTSTANDING service was recognised at the annual awards ceremony of RAF Brize Norton.

A military wives’ choir, a cashier and a youth club were all celebrated for their dedication.

The third Brize Recognition Awards for Valued and Outstanding Service (BRAVOS) took place at the officers’ mess at the end of last month.

The evening, compered by X Factor voiceover star Peter Dickson, is held each year to recognise the valued contribution and dedication of the teams and individuals who may not work for Brize Norton but are an integral part of allowing personnel to do their jobs.

Ninety nominations were received, double that of last year.

Group Captain Simon Edwards said: “An evening like this does not just happen and we acknowledge with gratitude the work of the BRAVOS committee and the support of our corporate sponsors Airbus Defence and Space.

“However, the night is about the nominees.”

RAF Brize Norton welcomed various VIP guests including Carterton mayor Lynn Little and former England and Nottingham Forest football legend Stuart Pearce.

Mr Pearce, who captained the national side nine times as a player, presented the award for Outstanding Achievement in Sports to Carly Thomas for her hard work as manager of the RAF Brize Norton ladies’ football team.

Vice Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire David Harwood presented the award for Outstanding Personal Development to Corporal Amy Foster for her continued quest for personal development.

She is studying her final module in a BSc Hons physical science degree and has already achieved a junior ranks flying scholarship.

Corporal Foster said: “It’s fantastic. Although you don’t do personal development for recognition it is great that it’s noticed.”

BRAVOS are awarded to applaud those people whose actions have made a difference and this year 10 awards were presented.

Brize’s Unsung Hero award was given to Pauline Green, who has been a cashier at the airbase for more than 13 years.

Judges said her selfless dedication to putting the needs of her customers first, including working outside her regular hours, made her a very worthy winner.

The Support to RAF Brize Norton award was presented by Mrs Little to Airplay, a programme that supports children and young people whose parents serve in the RAF. The Airplay youth project runs through term time and there is also holiday provision for young people aged eight to 18 living in Carterton.

Mrs Little said: “It is incredibly important to be involved in the community and what Hayley [the group leader] has done is tremendous.

“It’s a key part of Carterton and it links the RAF with the community. She’s done an amazing job and I’m really proud of her.”

A special award was also presented to Mrs Little in recognition of her dedication to maintaining a strong, supportive relationship between the RAF base and Carterton town.

And an accolade also went to Military Wives’ Choir Brize Norton, which is in its third year and has performed at a range of events from Remembrance Sunday celebrations to village fetes.