A DISTINGUISHED Second World War flying ace has been drafted in to help raise £2 million for Commonwealth veterans.

Mohinder Pujji, 84, of The Grove, Gravesend, was the most decorated Indian officer in the RAF during the 1939-45 conflict and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Mr Pujji flew Hurricanes and Spitfires and was involved in many dog fights with German Messerschmitt aircraft. Now he has been personally selected to join the committee of the Commonwealth Veterans Appeal by the Duke of Edinburgh.

The appeal is one of the six charities nominated by the Queen for the Golden Jubilee. It is hoping to provide a hot meal a day for Commonwealth veterans and financial assistance with medical matters.

The charity is often the last resort for many ex-servicemen to apply for help and the appeal needs a further £2 million to reach their target of £5 million. It is to be launched at Chatham later this month.

Mohinder Pujji said: "I am very pleased to have been chosen for the committee of the Commonwealth Veterans Appeal and hope I can make a grand effort to help raise the outstanding money."

The launch for the Kent appeal is being held at Lordswood Football Club, Northdane Way, Walderslade, Chatham, on Sunday, October 20, at 2pm.

You can donate to this appeal by calling the appeal office on 0208 392 6752, sending in a donation to Commonwealth Veterans Appeal, 20 Mortlake High Street, London, SW14 8JN or by visiting the Commonwealth Veterans Appeal website at, www.commonwealthveterans.org.uk