A ROYAL Air Force officer and charity fundraiser says he is 'very proud' to have received an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Squadron leader Adrian Morris, from Atherton, has been given a royal seal of approval for his 30 years of service to the RAF and his 15 years of charity work for the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA).

That includes visiting all 42 of RAFA's branches, including the one in Twist Lane in Leigh, as he completed a 700-mile seven-day challenge in 2012 to raise £5,000 for the charity which provides a wide range of services for serving and former RAF personnel.

Squadron leader Morris, a dad-of-two who is based at Headquarters Air Command at RAF High Wycombe, said: “It was a very proud moment for my wife Tracy and I when we heard I am to receive an MBE.

“I do not do my job to get awards like that but it is nice to be recognised for putting effort into the RAF and the force’s wider family.

“It will be a great day when I get presented with my award later this year.”

The 49-year-old has been an RAF officer since 1998 and has served two tours in Afghanistan.

But he is equally proud of his work as a serving liaison and welfare officer at RAFA.

“It is very rewarding to help veterans," squadron leader Morris said.

"It can be difficult to contact ex-servicemen so this organisation is great for bringing people together.

“People forget the charity is there for them so we are always doing our best to raise awareness of the services available.

“Branches are also launching friendship groups to allow the sense of comradeship to continue and give people the opportunity to reminisce about their experiences with the RAF.”

He and Tracy have two sons, Sean, 22, who is also in the RAF, and Lee, 19.

Squadron leader Morris will receive his MBE from a senior royal at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.

For more information about RAFA visit rafa.org.uk.