THE proceeds from the sale of wartime medals belonging to a RAF hero who lived at Bere Alston, has raised £36,000 for a national appeal.

Air Vice Marshal Robert Bateson, who lived in Bere Alston, distinguished himself daring RAF raids on German targets during the second world war and earned himself the nickname of 'Pinpoint' by dropping a bomb right through the Gestapo headquarters front door in the Hague, Holland.

HIs medals, including a Distinguished Flying Cross and Distinguished Service Order and Bar, along with a painting of the Mosquito bomber attack by Bateson and 613 Squadron, went to auction at Spink and Son of Bloomsbury, London. His medals and memorablia went to a private collector.

Bob Bateson, a proud member of Weir Quay yacht club, lived at Weir Quay, and died in 1986, aged 73.

Sandie Maylor, a spokesperson for Spink and Son, said that Bateson's deeds were quite extraordinary and his collection drew a lot of interest.

She told the Times: '£36,000 is almost double the price of the estimated amount of £20,000 we expected for this collection. It was an exciting auction which came quite competitive and there was a great atmosphere.'

The proceeds of this and the other 57 lots in the charity auction will go directly to the Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust Appeal. Spink and Son waved their fee for the sale.

Bentley Priory served as the headquarters of Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. It was from here that Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding controlled and directed the Battle between July 10, 1939 and October 31, 1940.

Bateson's collection was one of the highlights of the auction.

A total of £13.4 million is required to secure the long term future of the Priory.

Speaking on behalf of the trust appeal, Brian Burridge said: 'The trust is hugely grateful to Spink for facilitating this auction, which has generated enormous interest. This underscores just how important the Battle of Britain is in our national memory.

'The creation of a museum and learning centre at Bentley Priory is designed to ensure that this memory never fades. The funds raised today will help us to travel the last mile of our final target of £1.2 million.

'The proceeds from the sale are going towards a new education centre and museum, as well as flying scholarships for young people. This is an entirely fitting tribute that ensures the legacy of such men is passed onto the next generation.'