Mechanical Transport Officer Bob Moffat was given the traditional send-off on Friday last week after reaching the RAF retirement age of 55.

But Warrant Officer Moffat, of Chatsworth Road, Stamford, won’t be cutting ties with the RAF. He is all set to become RAF Wittering’s first ever service community support officer, providing vital assistance for families of service personnel.

WO Moffat admits he had a mixture of emotions as he was driven off the station in front of applauding colleagues.

“It was very emotional finishing my career as a transport officer but the upside is that I’ve got a fantastic opportunity to come back to the RAF in a new post,” he said.

During his 32 years with the RAF, WO Moffat raised more than £40,000 for various charities around the world.

He served in the Falklands twice, as well as Bosnia – where he once served General Sir Mike Jackson, who he was hosting, with an up-to-date copy of the Mercury at breakfast.

Squadron Leader Andy Valentine, the officer commanding 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron, said: “Bob Moffat is an exceptionally charismatic and thoroughly professional Warrant Officer who has done a fantastic job throughout his long and distinguished career.

“The personal at RAF Wittering are very fortunate he’s returning in his capacity as a community support officer.”

WO Moffat will start his new position later this month. He will be responsible for liaising between service personnel’s families and other agencies, including local schools, youth groups and health services.

The aim of service community support officers is to provide useful contacts, help and advice for families who need it and it is a role the Stamford man relishing.

He said: “I didn’t want to leave the RAF so to go back to the same environment is just absolutely brilliant.”