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In July, BBC Children In Need Presenter Gaby Roslin visited RAF Wittering to fly with 20(R) Squadron and Harry-Air Bear on his final sortie with the Royal Air Force. Here is her account of that day.

Though co-presenting Children In Need I have been invited to meet some incredible people and we've raised money for some great charities. One of the most extraordinary invitations came from the Operations staff at RAF Wittering who invited me to fly in a Harrier jump jet with Harry-Air Bear. I thought they was joking. My initial reaction was 'what an amazing thing to do!' Three days later I bumped into Jeremy Clarkson, who told me on no account should I fly, as he was very sick when he did. This from a man who loves speed!! But after several phonecalls back and forth and much reassurance from the Wittering staff, I eventually said Yes

July 11th was a beautiful sunny day and my husband Colin and I drove to RAF Wittering. I was very nervous, but Colin was like a big schoolboy - excited to get there. What a fantastic welcome we both received. Whilst I was being kitted out by my lovely pilot, Sqn Ldr Pete Squires, Colin had a go in the Harrier Flight Simulator and accidently bombed Wales!!! The other pilots were really impressed with his flying and now he wants to do more! Colin has wanted to be a pilot since childhood, I on the other hand have never wanted to be a pilot. I dont like flying in small aircraft and certainly didnt like wearing the oxygen mask.

As it grew closer to take-off my legs turned to jelly. On the flight-line I was given the responsibility of looking after Harry-Air Bear by Daisy (5) and Poppy Pickup (3). When we climbed in the cockpit I was really scared and although Harry-Air Bear was still smiling, I wasn't. Pete Squires was very patient with me and I enjoyed take-off and landing, although the bits in between were terrifying. To be honest, the flight was incredible, an unforgetable experience that I will never forget. When I talk about it now I can't believe that it really happened to me.Thank you to everybody at RAF Wittering, especially Adi and Jane, Dave Buchan and Pete Squires. In my job I am extremly lucky and spoilt and I thank you all very much for a wonderful day. Here's to Harry-Air Bear raising lots of money for Children In Need. Gaby Roslin

On December 18th at RAF Wittering Harry-Air Bear was handed over to his knew owner. Julie Sneath of Deerfield Financial Planning in Stamford had succesfully bid £750 for Harry, his logbook and photo album. Julie plans to continue Harry-Airs fundraising for Children In Need, with calenders, T-Shirts and a childrens book amongst the early plans.

Adi and Jane would like to thank all those who have helped out along the way. Especially Gaby Roslin, Candida Alderson, David Barzillay and Cathy at Vectis Auctioneers, Kate Power at Children In Need, Paul Walters and Terry Wogan for the air-time, Wittering Playschool for donating Harry-Air, all the Squadrons and Squadron Commanders who took part (they raised £250 for the playschool), Spike Perry and his team at RAF Wittering photographic section and Simon Morgan for setting up this excellent website. Largest thanks go to Julie for donating a considerable sum to the BBC Children In Need campaign.