Blue Peter Takes to the Naval Skies – intrepid Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton joined 771 Naval Air Squadron at Culdrose to show young viewers what search and rescue is all about.   This news comes on top of the announcement that HRH Prince William has returned to Britain after being deployed to the Falkland Islands as an RAF helicopter search and rescue pilot.    Clarence House said he had returned after an "entirely routine" six week deployment.   These high profile activities have surely enhanced the public image of our national search and rescue capability.

Comment: What a pity that the existing excellent military provision of Search and Rescue services is shortly to be abandoned in favour of a civilian and private industry solution.