RAF St Mawgan personnel have rallied to support the community during the festive season.

The airbase has partnered with Newquay Foodbank to deliver vital food parcels to families in need in Newquay and surrounding villages such as St Mawgan, St Newlyn East and St Columb Major.

Station Commander Wing Commander Helen Simpson and station warrant officer Darrel Keane joined members of the people and families support team to help pack and distribute parcels filled with seasonal essentials. Items included gravy, crackers, crisps, nuts, puddings, custard, orange juice, and chocolate treats.

Community development officer Carol Atkinson, warrant officer Kev Riddle and Flight Sergeant ‘Winnie’ Churchill delivered more than £100 worth of donations collected from RAF St Mawgan personnel and their families pushing a trolley to the Foodbank whilst dressed as baked bean cans to add a touch of humour to the festive occasion.

The costumes reprised their memorable outfits from their epic three-day walking challenge earlier in 2025, which raised funds and awareness for the foodbank.

The parcels were distributed via local schools to families referred to the foodbank, ensuring support reached those who need it most. With demand doubling this year, Newquay Foodbank will provide food to 143 families, a stark reminder of the growing need within the community.

Newquay Foodbank continues to welcome donations, particularly tins of tuna, meats and soups, and is actively seeking volunteers, drivers and administrative support to sustain its vital work.

Wing Commander Simpson said: “It’s a privilege for RAF St Mawgan to stand alongside the Foodbank team and support our local community. The generosity of our personnel and their families reflects the strong bond we share with Newquay and the surrounding villages.”

Cornwall has nearly double the UK average of veterans, with 6.3 per cent of its population having served in the armed forces compared to the national average of 3.8 per cent. Nationally, one in seven, 14 per cent of veterans used a food bank in the past year.

The people and families team will be embarking on another epic walk in aid of Newquay Foodbank next March, covering a marathon distance each day for three days across the Newquay area.