A WARMINSTER top gun has graduated with flying colours from a Lancashire RAF college.

Mark Bowden, 21, has successfully completed six months training for an initial pilot officer qualification at RAF Cranwell in Lancashire.

Now the former Kingdown school pupil and lifeguard at Center Parcs on the Longleat estate is on standby preparing to jet off to Iraq.

His mother Angela Bowden said: "We are all very proud of him. There was always something in the back of his mind about joining the RAF.

"He was a Warminster cadet for many years but didn't make the jump to becoming a pilot until last year.

"It seemed to be a lot of hard work but he acquitted himself very well during his time in Lancashire."

The official graduation ceremony took place in February and Mark was awarded the title Acting Pilot Officer after passing the No. 205 Initial Officer Training Course.

The 21-year-old was also presented with the honour of being Parade Commander for the graduation ceremony.

He said: "The training wasn't as difficult as I thought it might be but we started off with 100 on the course and by the end there was only 50 left.

"I am on hold in preparation to go to the Gulf but I will not be taking any more pilot courses I would prefer to be in the infantry unit of the RAF."

The course included 24 weeks physical training, ground defence training, leadership skills and management skills.

Recruits also took part in adventure training in Scotland and operational studies.