An RAF serviceman who came close to death in Iraq two years ago has set an unusual world record near Wolverhampton – for flying the most loop-the-loops while drinking a cup of tea.

Corporal Stewart Hefti, 27, completed the record breaking stunt as a passenger while drinking a cuppa at RAF Cosford yesterday.

He suffered life-threatening injuries in 2007 whilst serving in Iraq with 1 Squadron, RAF Regiment. His patrol came under enemy fire and sustained serious leg injuries, while a fellow gunner was tragically killed.

The aircraft was flown by former RAF Red Arrows team leader Andy Offer, now a pilot with premier UK aerobatic team ‘The Blades’. The pair managed to complete 14 loop-the-loops – and the Red Arrows made an appearance as the pair celebrated their achievement.

After breaking the record, Cpl Hefti, said: “When we first took off I was more worried about the tea staying in the cup, but after the first loop I realised it would and I started to enjoy it more. “It was only after we landed that I started to feel a bit queasy. “I just wanted to give something back to the RAF Association who did so much for me and my family after my injury.”

With help from the Regional Rehabilitation Unit at RAF Honington in Suffolk, Cpl Hefti has fought to overcome his injuries. His courage and determination against all the odds paid off when he fought alongside his RAF Regiment colleagues in Afghanistan earlier this year.

The record breaking stunt at Cosford was part of the launch for the RAF Association’s 2009 Brew for the Few fundraising initiative for RAF personnel and their families.