A SPA man, who works for the Royal Air Force, picked up an MBE last week for making dramatic changes to childcare provision in his squadron.

Phil Wilde, who is an ex-Droitwich Spa High School pupil, received his honour from the Queen in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace last Wednesday.

Phil began his air force career as a member of Droitwich Air Training Corps from 1979-83. He now works as a technical author at RAF Waddington, near Lincoln, writing air publications for fighter jets.

At Waddington, Phil identified a real problem with childcare and decided to help set up a new centre, which would mean young mums and dads could go back to work. He was secretary and later, treasurer of the childcare scheme.

"The childcare at RAF Waddington was limited to two-and-a-half hour sessions and so there was no childcare for service parents to return to work after maternity leave," said Phil.

"The Royal Air Force did not provide funding for such care, but would assist by providing a building where possible."

Dad-of-two Phil explained that bids for funding were compiled and the chosen building was brought up to the requirements of education inspectors, Ofsted.

Together with equipment to support up to 48 children, the project cost just under £100,000 and the whole process of setting up the Flying Start Early Years centre was completed in nearly two years with the facility opening in April 2003.

Phil was awarded the Member of the British Empire medal for his services.

Phil's mum Val, who still lives in the Spa, accompanied her son and his wife Clare to the palace in London.

"I was a nervous wreck, but then we got to the palace and it was brilliant. We had such a good day and everyone was lovely to us. I felt so proud of Phil," she said.

kate.hughes@midlands.

newsquest.co.uk