A NORTH-EAST airman has landed a dream role in today's historic Armed Forces Day.

Sergeant Gary Stannard, from Ferryhill, County Durham, has painted a picture for the Queen.

And he been given the ultimate honour of presenting the painting during the Queen's Golden Jubilee visit to the Armed Forces.

Her Majesty's visit to HMS Excellence, at Whale Island in Portsmouth, is part of the jubilee celebrations.

The Armed Forces were to present the Queen with a set of ornamental gates for Sandringham, but because they are not ready it was decided to present her with an artist's impression.

Sgt Stannard, who has served in the RAF for 18 years, submitted a painting to Admiral Sir Michael Boyce, Chief of the Defence Staff, for consideration along with another by an officer from the Army.

Sgt Stannard said: "After some consideration mine was chosen as the painting which would be presented to the Queen. I couldn't believe it when I found out, I was gobsmacked."

He added: "It's not every day that you get asked to paint for The Queen. While it is a huge honour, it is quite a step up from what I'm used to painting.

"I hope she likes it and that it gives her a feel for what the gates will look like when they are erected at Sandringham."

"Art is a big part of my life. I hope this transmits through in my work and that I can continue to paint long into the future, even when I am no longer serving."