AN RAF officer from Spennymoor has graduated with flying colours from an RAF college.

Flying officer Richard Podmore, 23, successfully completed an Initial Officer training course at RAF Cranwell, near Sleaford, in Lincolnshire.

Mr Podmore attended Tudhoe Grange School, Spennymoor, and Durham Sixth Form College before graduating from Loughborough University with a MEng (Hons) in aeronautical engineering.

He joined the RAF in February and will shortly begin his professional training as a weapons systems officer.

He said : "Joining the RAF is the best thing I've done so far and, although I'm just starting, I would recommend it to anyone."

Mr Podmore graduated in front of Air Vice-Marshal Yahya bin Rasheed Al-Juma, commander of Royal Air Force Oman, after completing a 24-week course, which included physical training, ground defence training, operational studies and air experience.