AN AVIATION expert from the Cotswolds has won a prestigious award.

Broadcaster Sean Maffett, 74, who was senior commentator RAF Fairford’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) for 28 years, was recognised for his contribution to the air show industry.

The Bourton-on-the-Water resident said it was an “absolute surprise” to win the annual Chairman’s Award of the European Air Show Council (EAC) earlier this month.

“It was at a dinner and the chairman of the European Air Show Council started speaking,” said Sean. “I suddenly realised he was talking about me. I was immediately embarrassed and put my hand over my eyes. I was completely gobsmacked.”

The accolade is presented to just one of 200 council delegates and Sean said winning was one of the proudest moments of his life.

EAC chairman Gilbert Buekenberghs said the award was given to Sean because the “expression, enthusiasm, content and preparation of his airshow commentary have an exceptional quality”.

He added: “He is a well respected colleague, open minded and with a great devotion to aviation and a clear communication to the public based on a large knowledge and experience, and supported by a golden voice.”

A former RAF squadron leader, Sean has been involved in aviation for more than 35 years and has been a broadcaster for most of that time.

He is often the first person the press turn to when they need an aviation expert, and spoke to around 45 different media outlets after the recent Germanwings disaster.

Sean has lived in Bourton for 28 years with his wife Kathleen Cronin.

He has three children and four grandchildren.