A PARISH council deputy chairman who led a £19m redesign of one of the RAF's most important flight simulators has won a prestigious award for his work.

Flight Lieutenant Michael Hadley from Childrey near Wantage, who sits on his village council, was presented his Pollitzer Cup by Princess Anne last month.

The father-of-two, who flies the C310J Hercules, received the honour for his duties as deputy officer commanding A Flight for the sixth year and for heading up a massive visual revamp of the RAF's Hercules simulator.

He was presented with the certificate in a ceremony at London's Merchant Taylors' Hall on Wednesday, April 26.

He said: "The one thing that has remained constant throughout my service has been the privilege of working with incredibly talented, empathic, professional and fun people and 24 Squadron is chock full of this calibre of person.

"To be nominated for this prestigious award for my work over the past 12 months is incredibly humbling.

"It would also be a lie to say that I am not, just a little, proud of myself."

Originally from Kingswinford in Dudley, Flt Lt Hadley joined the RAF in 1994 and after his training at RAF Finningley graduated as an Air Engineer and was posted to RAF Lyneham.

He spent two tours serving on operations in the Falklands, the Middle East, the Balkans and East Timor.

Commanding officers said bold character and confidence led to his successful application to be a C130K Hercules pilot.

Numerous tours in Iraq and Afghanistan led to his promotion to captain, and he was then chosen for instructional duties on the Hercules as a qualified pilot instructor – a role in which he now serves on 24 Squadron.

He worked with defence contractors CAE and Lockheed Martin on the £19m visual upgrade of the Hercules simulator.

The Pollitzer Cup was awarded by London Livery Company The Worshipful Company of Carmen – a 500-year-old transport trade association for the captial.

The group uses its annual Joint Services Dinner to honour servicemen and women who have 'gone above and beyond the call of duty'.

Outside of the RAF, Flt Lt Hadley is deputy chairman of Childrey Parish Council, a trustee of Childrey Playing Fields, organises the annual bonfire and the Childrey Spring Classic British cycling event, and created the 12-band Childreyfest, raising £8,000 for local charities.

He added: "Balancing work and play has always allowed me to indulge in my love of mountain and road biking, hill walking and theatre, both on and off stage.

"My family life is precious to me as, along with my wife Rachel, we delight in the upbringing of our two lovely daughters."