AN RAF search and rescue pilot from Essex has been honoured at the Vodafone Life Savers Awards.
Sgt Neil Finch, of Walton, and three other members of the RAF D Flight 202 Squadron were honoured after they rescued a father who had suffered serious head injuries in a fall.
The man was walking with his son in Skye when the accident happened.
The RAF team - Sgt Finch, Flt Lt Fiona Bailey, Flt Lt John Sheldon and Flt Lt Patrick Thirkell - were called out and the Sea King helicopter flew through appalling conditions to reach him.
Winch Operator Flt Lt Thirkell lowered Sgt Finch, 34, to the stranded climbers who were clinging to the rock.
The heroes joined fellow National Life Savers at a Downing Street reception held by Tony Blair, before going on to a glittering gala luncheon at London's Savoy.
The life savers awards are backed by the Evening Gazette.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Friday, November 18, 2005
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