A WOMAN who keeps the funds pouring into the coffers of Okehampton air cadets had a nice surprise recently when she was presented with a Meritorious Service Award from the Lord Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon.

Sonia Wilkinson, who is the treasurer at 2443 (Okehampton) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets as well as a member of its civilian committee, was nominated for the award for her many hours of voluntary work by senior members of the air cadets’ Plymouth and Cornwall Wing.

After learning the news, she said: ‘Oh my goodness what a surprise, thank you very much for the nomination and subsequent award. How kind.’

Sonia was nominated for the award for all her hard work for the young people’s group. Her efforts have secured significant contributions to the squadron funds through fundraising initiatives and grant applications.

She paid tribute to the kind support and generosity of the organisations who have given grants, without which projects currently being undertaken at the squadron would not have been possible.