AN AIRBASE has officially opened the doors of its new youth club in memory of a friend and worker who died earlier this year.

The purpose-built club at RAF Leeming was named the Arnett Building in memory of Judith Arnett, who worked at the airbase for almost 20 years, and lost a year-long battle with cancer in August.

During her time at Leeming, she worked in various roles across the station including a Hive information officer, which helps families with relocation.

The club was opened by RAF Leeming Station Commander, Group Captain Steve Reeves.

He said: “The new club is going to bring a lot of joy to the youngsters who have a chance to use it, and none of it would have happened without the hard work of all those involved.

“We wanted to do something to remember Judith and it seemed a fitting tribute to name this building after her.

“As Hive information officer, she was at the centre of activity and was always there to help others, putting other people before herself – going that extra mile above and beyond.

“We are truly grateful and privileged for the time we had with her.”

Judith’s husband of more than 30 years, David, and daughters Emma and Lisa were present for the official opening.

Mr Arnett said: “We are so proud that the RAF Leeming Youth Club has been named the Arnett Building in the memory of Judith.

“We truly appreciate the huge amount of organisation and hard work that must have been carried out for all of this to have happened.

“Judith played a huge role at RAF Leeming for some 18 years and touched so many hearts.

“Her legacy will carry on and it is a comforting and wonderful feeling that her family can visit the Arnett Building.”

The youth club, which has been two years in the making, is the only purpose built facility throughout the whole of the RAF.

It provides a safe and modern environment for service families with a variety of facilities and activities available throughout the week.

Community development officer Becki Taylor has been involved in the project since the initial planning stages.

She said: “This youth club represents the importance the RAF places upon supporting our service families.

“We recognise the significant impact being within a service family has upon a young person and strive to provide a fun, informative and educational programme for them.”