The mother of an airman who was killed in Iraq has told young cadets to keep on chasing their dream Flight Lieutenant David Stead, whose family is from Burley-in-Wharfedale, died with ten others on January 30 last year when his Hercules plane crashed after being shot down near Baghdad.

The father of two had been passionate about flying throughout his life and had been a member of the 1224 Wharfedale Air Cadet Squadron in Ilkley.

Now his parents, Richard and Pauline, have unveiled a commemorative plaque at the squadron base.

After the ceremony, Flt Lt Stead's mother told young cadets not to be discouraged by what had happened to her son.

"Don't be put off by what happened to David," she said. "If it is your dream to fly, just go for it.

"David did what he loved doing most - flying - and if he had the choice again, would never have done anything else."

And she said the plaque would have greatly pleased her son: "He would be very chuffed indeed to have a plaque in his name," she said.

The commemoration had been designed by members of the Ilkley squadron.

Warrant officer David Wood, who had been a friend of Flt Lt Stead, said the informal ceremony had also officially marked the anniversary of the tragedy.

"David's parents came along and had a few words with the cadets, expressing their appreciation," he said.

Mr Wood said a hymn inscribed on the plaque had special significance to the air cadets. Finishing with the words, "He was born to fly," it had been recited at the cadets' annual dinner last February.

"It was spoken in relation to him almost as soon as we knew about his death," said WO Wood.

Flt Lt Stead's family will hand out a trophy under their son's name at this year's annual dinner next month. But no official ceremony will be held exactly a year on from his death.

"We will remember on the night, but I don't think we will be doing anything further," said WO Wood, who said the young cadets had not forgotten about Flt Lt Stead.

"They are still very touched by it. They are only 13 to 14 years old but they still regarded him as one of the family," he said.

Flt Lt Stead's childhood friend Andrew Ainge said the anniversary was going to be marked privately by those who had known David.

"A few of us are having a get-together at the end of the month, but nothing official," he said.

"People are spread out all over the country; a few of us are getting together on the east coast."

Flt Lt Stead's funeral was held last year at All Saints Parish Church in Ilkley and was accompanied by an RAF Hercules fly-past.