A CHARITY that flies in medical equipment and food to some of the poorest parts of the world displayed the latest addition to its fleet at Popham.

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) showcased its new Cessna 182 at the airfield on the A303 at Coxford Down.

The charity is taking the £250,000 second-hand light aircraft on a nationwide tour before it flies out to South Sudan in Africa. The cost included an extensive refit to allow it to cope with rigorous conditions.

The aircraft was previously owned by a German skydiving club and was bought with donations to MAF.

Ruth Whitaker, MAF chief executive, said: “This is a most exciting addition to the fleet. We are grateful for this wonderful and generous gift and for all our supporters who make possible the worldwide work of MAF.”

MAF, which has a fleet of 135 aircraft, delivers supplies across the developing world, and works in partnership with 1,500 aid organisations, including Oxfam, the Tearfund, Red Cross, and UNICEF.