A NORTH-EAST serviceman has joined one of the most famous flying teams in the world in time for its 40th anniversary celebrations.

Royal Air Force technician Carl English, from Wearhead, County Durham, has become a member of the team that services and maintains the Red Arrows fleet of Hawker jets seen by millions of people at air displays around the world.

The 32-year-old corporal joined the RAF after he left Wolsingham School 16 years ago, attracted by seeing jet fighters on low-flying training near his home.

His career has taken him to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Cyprus, Canada, the US and to several in Europe.

He has been presented with the First Gulf War Medal, the General Service Medal and the Queen's Jubilee Medal.

Cpl English is married to Caroline and in his spare time enjoys fishing and racing motor cross bikes.

At present he is based with the Red Arrows team in this country and would like to become one of the nine technicians who travel with the Red Arrows to service the planes before and after each display, enjoying the privilege of flying in the aircraft's rear seats.

He said: "It is busier than I thought it would be, like the Formula One of the RAF."

Since the Red Arrows were formed in 1965, they have flown more than 3,750 displays in 52 countries.