£1.2m for good causes

​Not all the 26 World War 11 survivors would have been able to make the trip, back in June, without the help a £500 donation from the firm's Brough establishment, among others.

Participating youngsters have to come up with energy saving ideas applicable to their own homes or neighbourhoods – which fits in well with BAE's own green priorities.

Increasing recycling and reducing energy use at its own factory apart, it is currently heavily involved with the Environment Agency on improving flood defences in the local area.

And with a range of community-based education and training projects on its books too, plus charity fund-raising by its 1,600 staff, BAE Brough is a nominee for the Mail's Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare-sponsored Contribution to the Community Award.

“Employees nominate which good causes we will support,” said community events adviser, Rebecca Brothers.

“Over the past 20 years – through a range of events including golf days, bowling nights, tombolas, sponsored walks, runs, bike rides and more, our staff have raised more than £1.2 million for good causes."

As a company much of BAE Brough's focus is on education and training. Its industrial partnership with South Hunsley secondary school and sixth form college, along with eight feeder primary schools, provides a number of educational activities.

In one project year 10 and 11 pupils make aircraft related products as part of their GCSE courses.

And up to four Year 9’s a year can bid for the Robert Blackburn scholarship which gives them experience at a university technology centre, a trip to London’s science museum and career-shaping advice from a BAE mentor.

On a different tack, for youngsters with disabilities at St Anne’s Special School at Welton, the company has created a sensory garden which people in the local community in general are also able to enjoy.