A special meet and greet between Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots and island Air Cadets took place on Tuesday.

The event, which saw pilots flying into Ronaldsway Airport from RAF Valley in Wales, was organised by the Isle of Man Post Office to celebrate 100 years of the force.

Representatives of the Air Cadets were given the opportunity to get up close to the two aircrafts, both Hawk T2s, brought over and have their questions answered by the special guests.

Chairman of the Isle of Man Post Office Julie Edge MHK said: ’Through this event and the introduction of the 100 Years of the RAF stamp collection, we aim to commemorate and celebrate Isle of Man’s history and connection with the RAF.

’Recognised throughout the world for their courage, adaptability and innovation, the RAF is an inspiration for the younger generation.

’By having the Air Cadets here today, we hope to be able to encourage them be as passionate and courageous as those who have and are still serving the RAF.’

During the meet and greet session, Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney presented the RAF Valley pilots with a souvenir framed stamp collection.

Ms Edge also presented the Air Cadets with a framed set of the RAF-themed stamps, which have been officially licensed by the Ministry of Defence and which were issued in January.

The stamps feature images of iconic RAF aircraft, key airfields, personnel, medal ribbons, flags, the RAF Ensign, and a secret message in morse code which is visible under UV light.

Squadron Leader Dave Williams from the RAF Valley said: ’We were honoured by the Isle of Man Post Office to attend this event which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the RAF.

’The RAF and the Fleet Air Arm have had a long association with the Isle of Man, so it is great to be here to offer our support and meet His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, local RAFA members and Air Cadets.’

Five copies of the 100 Years of the RAF special covers, that were onboard the RAF Valley aircrafts as they flew into the island, will be given to the RAF Benevolent Fund to help with fundraising. The RAF was formed towards the end of the First World War, on April 1 1918.

Twenty years later RAF bases started to open on the Isle of Man, beginning with RAF Jurby in September 1939.

RAF Andreas opened two years later as a fighter airfield, while the civilian aerodrome at Ronaldsway was taken over in 1940 and became RAF Ronaldsway. RAF Air-Sea Rescue marine craft were based at Ramsey, Peel, Douglas and Castletown during the war.