MEMBERS of 820 Naval Air Squadron recently gave some of their time to help prepare the public viewing area at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose for the 2010 season.

The designated area, which is on the eastern perimeter of Culdrose airfield, is a popular site from which to watch the comings and goings of aircraft flying around Culdrose, and it includes a small cafe and a shop selling naval and aviation souvenirs.

Rubbing down paintwork, sanding wall surfaces and generally getting things clean and shipshape were the tasks. During two days of hard work the officers and ratings of 820 Squadron helped shop manager Margaret Kelly get ready for what she hopes will be a bumper season.

She said: "It's fantastic getting this help from 820 Squadron. It makes things a lot easier and better for me as the 2010 season gets going."

Commander Jason Phillips, the Commanding Officer of 820, decided that as part of his squadron was back at Culdrose having been on operations in the Middle East, they could use some of their time to improve the appearance of the viewing area and shop.

He said: "820 Squadron is the longest serving squadron in the Royal Navy with a long history and a great heritage.

"It participated in the sinking of the German battleship Bismark in 1941, provided cover for the Sicily landings in 1943, was involved in the attacks on Japan in 1945, and of course in 1982, when Prince Andrew was serving with the squadron, was part of the Falklands Task Force.

"Nowadays the squadron is as busy as ever, with most of our aircraft and people on operations abroad with only short periods back here at Culdrose – an ideal time to help our neighbours."