High fliers’ top prizes

Mike Roberts, managing director of Take Flight Aviation, and student Kim Towle, who used to work as the club’s weekend receptionist, won first prize in the Pooley’s Dawn to Dusk challenge, which saw them flying, along with competitors from around the globe, between sunrise and sunset.

The team, who raised funds for Warwickshire and Northampton Air Ambulance Service through their efforts, also beat the world record for the most airfields visited in 24 hours. As well as five airfields, the pair touched down at 68 places across the UK in the space of 18 hours 45 minutes.

Two of Take Flight’s private pilots, Amanda Jenkins and Ruth Bridges, who visited airfields used by women pilots during the Second World War, picked up fourth prize for the best all-female crew entry.

Speaking after the competition’s awards ceremony, which took place at the RAF Club in Piccadilly, London, Mr Roberts said: “I really hoped that our achievement for gaining the world record would be recognised but I was surprised to receive the first place award. The trophy is magnificent and it’s a real privilege to receive it.”

Take Flight Aviation is a private aviators club that offers eight aircraft to rent to members and training for the private pilot’s licence.