AN RAF Benson pilot is 'honoured' to have received the Air Force Cross as part of the Operational Honours and Awards List.

Flight Lieutenant Ben Wallis was on exchange as an instructor with the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF), when he had to take control of an aircraft after an engine malfunction - potentially saving the lives of his student crew.

Flt Lt Wallis, who has been serving at RAF Benson for over a decade, sprung into action when the RDAF Merlin suffered total mechanical failure while on night training in a confined area in the middle of a forest.

Just moments after take off - with the helicopter just 120ft above the trees - an emergency situation developed.

No power was going to the engines, the rotors were coming to a stop and a student was at the controls.

The 35-year-old swiftly took control of the aircraft, calmly steered it to a clear area and issued warnings to his crew before completing an engine-off landing.

The whole incident is thought to have lasted no more than 15 seconds.

Flt Lt Ben Wallis said: “I am extremely fortunate that my training and experience allowed me to react quickly enough to deal with such a catastrophi malfunction.

"To be awarded the Air Force Cross is a huge honour and I am humbled to think that my actions on that night are sufficient to receive such recognition.”