Blades commentary competition winners announced

Earlier this year, the RAF Benevolent Fund joined forces with the Blades Aerobatic Team to launch a commentary competition to find a future voice of the air shows.

We are pleased to announce that the winners of the commentary competition are Logan Perkis (under 11s category), Harvey Johnston (12-18 category) and James Law (over 19s category).

Logan, Harvey and James each submitted a short video of themselves demonstrating their commentary skills using this Blades' video clip.  All three entries were superb, and the winners will join Mike Ling next year for an interactive training day at Sywell Aerodrome.

Blade 3 Mike Ling, former Red Arrows Red 10, said: "We wanted to use competition to remind members of the RAF Family that the RAF Benevolent Fund is here and ready to support them. Whether you’re serving in the RAF, a veteran, or a dependant, the Fund can help during difficult times – you don’t have to struggle in silence. They were a massive help to me when I was injured in 2010 and spreading awareness of their vital work, especially during these anxious times, is really important to me."

Six-year-old Logan lives in Northamptonshire and is a regular visitor to Sywell Aerodrome and enjoys watching the Blades flying. When Logan's mum Kati asked him how he felt about being nominated, he said: "I was shocked and then I felt fantastic. I’m very, very excited!"

Thirteen-year-old Harvey inherited his passion for aviation from his dad, Tom, and the pair share a love for model plane flying. Harvey first spotted the Blades at Waddington air show when he was three years old, when the Blades sported a blue livery. Tom said: "Harvey was just a little excited; I think he was shouting back at me who the team pilots were!"

Harvey said that he entered the competition because "he couldn't pass up the chance at spending a day with the team and meeting some of his heroes".

He also said that he would like a chance at commentating as he’s heard it at the air shows that he's been to.

Tom added: "Harvey is absolutely over the moon and cannot contain his excitement!"

James is 26 and lives in Leeds. He said: "I feel extremely honoured to have been shortlisted for the Blades Commentary Competition. I have been going to air shows from a very young age and I have always held an interest in the commentary aspect that goes alongside the many wonderful aircraft displays at these events. I have always thought 'I would love to do that'."

The Blades and the Fund would like to thank all those who submitted a video for this competition.