AN RAF squadron has found a unique way to lift spirits while on deployment in Afghanistan in aid of a Darlington charity.

3 Flight Squadron, based at RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, has decided to lift the combined weight of the entire RAF fleet during their tour of duty.

A team of 25 personnel from the squadron will benchpress a total of 9,872,970 kilograms – the combined weight of the all the aircraft that make up the RAF fleet.

They will be completing the challenge in aid of St Teresa’s Hospice, which was adopted as the squadron’s favourite charity following a visit to the Hospice last year.

The support has been spearheaded by Senior Aircraftman Technician Jaime Jones, son of the hospice’s senior events manager David Jones.

SAC(T) Jones, said: “I’ve always helped out with the hospice when on leave, and I’m just happy to keep helping out however I can.

“The support from the shift has been amazing. Even though we’re based down south, once I explained what the hospice is and what it does, they were right behind the idea.”

The squadron has also planned a fancy-dress marathon pub collection, a Land’s End to John o’ Groats bike ride, a sponsored skydive, and has taken St Teresa’s Hospice badges to sell at Camp Bastion.

To support them, visit justgiving.com/jamie-jones2