BUDDING pilot Paul Vickers is flying high after finally gaining his wings following months of hard work and training.

The 33-year-old Army sergeant, from Darlington, was presented with his wings at a parade at the School of Army Aviation, in Middle Wallop, Wiltshire.

The Wings Parade was the high point of an intensive course which was designed to prepare trainees for any situation that might face them during their flying career.

The initial selection process included 13 hours of basic flying, before selected candidates learned how to handle a fixed-wing Slingsby Firefly aircraft. They then underwent another 40 hours of flight training.

The tough training also included helicopter training and eight hours of flying solo.

Sgt Vickers' 13 years in the Army has seen him serve in Norway, Gibraltar, Iraq and Kenya. Now, after 15 months of hard work, the former Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College student is looking forward to an exciting career as a pilot.

He said: "After several years as an instrument technician I decided that I wanted to become more involved in the operational side of the Army, as opposed to the support elements. The Air Corps always seems to get involved in major operations."