ONE of the founders of the Royal International Air Tattoo has been given a medal for his services to aviation.

Tattoo director Tim Prince who, along with Paul Bowen, founded the show in 1971, has been awarded the Jeffrey Quill Medal, for his contribution to the awareness of aviation among Britain's youth.

Mr Prince said: "I am delighted that the efforts of the thousands of people who have helped organise the air tattoo over the years many as volunteers have been recognised in this way.

"For the air tattoo to receive an award for helping develop air-mindedness in Britain's youth is particularly pleasing as this is one of the key aims of our charitable trust. My team will be delighted."

Since the first shows the event has grown to become the largest military airshow in the world, and is held annually at RAF Fairford in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.

It now regularly attracts more than 300 participating aircraft and 150,000 visitors.