A DARLINGTON man has become one of the RAF’s newest recruits after excelling in basic training and receiving a special trophy.

Richard Banks, 24, of Barnes Road, was given the Halton Apprentice Trophy for showing the highest overall standard of effort, determination and achievement in physical training.

He was presented with the trophy in front of friends and family after completing nine weeks of intensive basic training at RAF Halton near Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire.

Mr Banks, who went to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form and Hummersknott School before joining the RAF, will now move to the Defence College at Chicksands to begin training as an Intelligence Analyst.

He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my nine weeks training here at Recruit Training Squadron.

“I have learned so much and met so many people.

“The highlight of my time here has been the Initial Force Protection Training but I have benefited enormously from the physical training elements.

“I was overjoyed to have won this award and I look forward now to starting the next stage of my professional training with the Royal Air Force.”