A writer from Cumbria has won the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Battle of Britain audio drama competition.

Carlisle-born writer Matthew Wignall, who grew up in Silloth, will now see his script produced and broadcasted on the fund’s All Station’s podcast.

The national competition tasked writers with dreaming up an audio drama based on the Battle of Britain.

Mr Wignall, who aspires to become a full-time author, works in York as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs.

He was inspired to take part in the competition as his grandfather Robert William Gibson served in the Royal Air Force as a wireless and electrical mechanic at RAF Silloth.

He said: “I always wanted to pay tribute to the fact that, if it weren’t for the actions and sacrifices made during those few months in 1940, our lives would be very different.

“We owe that generation so much. Past events have a huge influence on all our lives, and perhaps none greater than the Battle of Britain which was a true turning point of the Second World War."

He added: “Freedom should never be taken for granted and, if it weren’t for a remarkable generation coming together from all walks of life and different nationalities, we could have lost it forever.”

The writer paid tribute to those who served with his competition-winning audio drama, A Gingerbread Man in the RAF.

The story follows Pilot Officer Gallimore as the impact his service made on a modern day couple.

Mr Wignall’s audio drama will feature as a bonus episode of the Fund’s second series of the All Stations podcast.

The series tells the story of the Battle of Britain through contributions from military historians and authors.

Contributing author Steve Darlow congratulated Mr Wignall on the win, he said: “Congratulations to Matthew Wignall on writing a poignant and moving piece of drama, capturing the essence of the fighter pilot experience and translating it to a very personal, modern day, expression of commemoration.

"This drama will, I’m sure, resonate with those familiar with the Battle of Britain. And hopefully it will bring this story of remarkable human endeavour, and heartfelt commemoration, to a whole new audience.”