GRANDPARENTS of a hero RAF pilot say they are ‘proud as punch’ after he was awarded a top military honour for bravery.

John and Margaret House of Weymouth were thrilled to hear Flight Lieutenant Lee Turner will be presented with an Air Force Cross for helping to save lives in a raging storm.

Flt Lt Turner, son of the couple’s daughter Denise, was captain of a Sea King helicopter scrambled to the ferry Riverdance which lost all power in appalling weather conditions off the Blackpool coast last year.

His ‘outstanding’ flying skills ensured 17 people were plucked to safety from the ferry which was listing heavily.

He was forced to put his winchman on to the more treacherous low side of the vessel and had to maintain an accurate hover.

At one stage his quick reactions prevented disaster when a ship’s mast nearly struck the aircraft.

The helicopter rescued eight people and was later scrambled again to recover a further nine.

The winchman, Richard Taylor, received the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

John, 81, and Margaret, 75, of Dundee Road, Wyke Regis, first heard about their grandson’s exploits after being told by their daughter to watch a television news item about the rescue last January.

Margaret, who used to work as a catering assistant at Weymouth and District Hospital, said: “We were so proud to know he was at the controls and helped to rescue all those people.

“When we heard he was going to get a medal and meet the Queen I had a tear in my eye.”

She added: “Lee did say the medal was for all the crew. It was a joint effort.”

The couple, who have another daughter Ruth, said their grandson spent his early years in Weymouth before moving with this family to Ivybridge, Devon.

Now, 29, he is based at RAF Valley in North Wales.

John, who used to work as a equipment examiner at Bovington Camp, said: “It was always his intention to be a helicopter pilot. He was in the Air Training Corps and became one of the RAF’s youngest pilots.

“We understand he also helped to teach Prince William to fly. We’re as proud of punch of him.”

Margaret added: “He’s still single. I asked if he had a girlfriend and he said: ‘Back on base, Nan.’ He’s married to his job, that’s why!”

RAF Group Captain Steve Garden said: “Turner’s courage, leadership and outstanding flying skills in exceptionally demanding conditions were in the finest traditions of the Service. He selflessly displayed valour and gallantry of an exemplary order while saving the lives of 17 people.”