A FORMER maintenance technician has made a flying start in his new career with the Royal Air Force.

Graeme Matthew Sams, of West Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, passed out from recruit training with top marks.

The 22-year-old was named as the recruit displaying the greatest effort and determination on his flight, at RAF Halton, near Aylesbury.

At the graduation parade, Graeme was congratulated by the reviewing officer, Commodore LP Brockenshire, commanding officer of HMS Raleigh, and presented with a trophy to mark his achievement.

The former pupil at Staindrop Comprehensive School will begin his trade training at RAF Cosford as an avionics technician.