John Brock MBE from Milton has never forgotten his time spent in Khartoum attached to the Sudanese Defence Force between 1946 and 1948.

Being called up to National Service in September 1945 he served with the Royal Corps of Signals and his time in Khartoum was spent working on the communications link between Khartoum, Cairo and The War Office in London.

His great friend during those years of military service was Dennis Quilley who went on to be a leading Shakespearean West End actor.

John will always remember the wonderful Sudanese people who lived in poverty, but were very friendly and welcoming.

On celebrating his 90th birthday, it was to those days that his thoughts returned and instead of presents family and friends gave donations to the Christian Aid Southern Sudan Famine Appeal and the wonderful amount of £1,422 was raised.

In his 91st year, he is still able to operate a morse code key at the Carew Cheriton Control Tower Project, fascinating the visiting school children with his use of the keyboard.

An ex-WAAF who served at RAF Carew Cheriton, returned last year to visit the control tower where she served as a wireless operator in 1945. For the first time since her war service days, she was able hold a conversation with John using morse code.

John and his family would like to thank all who gave so generously to this worthy Christian Aid Appeal for the people of Sudan.