RAF graduate James Briggs from Hoole has got his wings

A NEWLY-qualified Royal Air Force officer from Hoole is flying high after graduating from military college.

James Briggs, 21, graduated as a flying officer from No 22 Initial Officer training (IOT) course at the Officer and Aircrew Cadet Training Unit at RAF Cranwell, near Sleaford in Lincolnshire.

James joined 71 fellow cadets outside the historic College Hall to parade in front of Air Marshal Andrew Pulford, air member for personnel and deputy commander-in-chief personnel.

Music on the day was provided by the band of the Royal Air Force College and there were fly-pasts by Tornado aircraft from XV (R) Sqn, RAF Lossiemouth.

James, whose parents Gary and Joanne still live in Hoole, attended Upton-By-Chester High School before graduating from Leeds University with a BSc in Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies.

He joined the RAF in July last year and will soon begin his professional training.

James is a former member of 610 (City of Chester) Squadron Air Training Corps and of Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron.