THIS is the smiling face of Sally Evans, a Wallingford air training cadet receiving an accolade from a leading aviator.

The 14-year-old Wallingford cadet is pictured with Polly Vacher after she received the Polly Vacher Award for being the most enthusiastic newcomer to the 966 Squadron in the town.

Record-breaking Mrs Vacher, of North Moreton, who in 2001 was the first woman pilot to fly solo around the world from east to west, set up the award when she became president of the squadron a year ago.

Flight Lieutenant Chris Tocher, of the squadron, said: “Sally is a real high flyer who has come out of her shell, encapsulating the spirit of everything the ATC stands for.”

Mrs Vacher said: “Young people get a lot out of the ATC, not just the flying but community service and outward bound type things. It’encourages young people to do lots of positive activities.”