THE Port of Dartmouth Regatta’s air display director Flight Lieutenant Jason Aylett has a new ‘badge of honour’ to wear.

He has received the 2015 Collector of the Year award for his ‘against the odds’ contribution to last year’s event when the Red Arrows had to cancel their aerobatic display.

Mr Aylett helped to co-ordinate the last- minute rescheduling of the air programme after the Civil Aviation Authority amended the display permissions.

It followed a tragedy at Shoreham air show four days earlier when a 1950s Hunter jet crashed onto the A27, killing 11 people.

As a result the Red Arrows display at Dartmouth was reduced to two fly-pasts and Mr Aylett was instrumental in securing the appearance of a Vulcan bomber at short notice.

Regatta secretary Peter Johnson told Friday’s annual public meeting in the Guildhall: ‘We once again had some outstanding contributions to our royal regatta in 2015.

‘A special commendation goes again to Chris and Ben Parr-Ferris for their amazing efforts with collecting tins.

‘We are also grateful to the rowing committees in bringing a terrific collection of crews to race on the river and to the joint regatta sailing committee and the yacht clubs for the splendid collection of boats and competitors that they were able to attract.

‘All of our sports organisers have attracted great collections of competitors to their events.

‘Although no longer on the committee, Gina Coles should be recognised for the collection of bands she brought together for the bandstand which gave us some great entertainment.

‘We had a splendid collection of children’s events thanks to Michelle Concannon and others and, overall, committee members and volunteers brought to the regatta a great collection of events.

‘However, this year’s Collector of the Year award goes to someone who has contributed hugely to the regatta in 2015 and in previous years and, against the odds at times, particularly in 2015.

‘For the impressive collection of planes brought together not only in 2015 but in past years, this year’s award goes to Jason Aylett.’