Flood airmen get bravery awards

Seven helicopters were scrambled to the floods in Boscastle

Three RAF airmen have received bravery awards for rescuing people from the Boscastle floods.

On 16 August 2004, seven helicopters were scrambled and more than 120 people were airlifted to safety.

Clive Chapman, from 203 Squadron at St Mawgan, and Mario Testa and Martin Thompson, both from 22 Squadron at Chivenor in Devon helped in the rescue.

All received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in the Air on Tuesday.

They received their commendations at a ceremony at RAF St Mawgan.

In one rescue, Sgt Mario Testa gained access to a house through the roof to rescue a women in the basement with a severe hand injury.

Sgt Martin Thompson rescued 55 people.

Master Aircrewman Clive Chapman is a radio operator by profession, but volunteered to take part in the airlifts because of the level of emergency.