AN RAF squadron leader from Wroughton has been appointed to one of the RAF's most prestigious jobs.

Sqn Ldr John Banbrook from Ashen Copse Road in Wroughton is now in charge of Recruit Training Squadron, which provides basic training for airmen entrants into the RAF.

Every year, the squadron trains up to 4,500 airmen recruits.

Sq Ldr Banbrook, who is in the RAF Regiment, said: "I have enjoyed all my tours in my 13 years of service, but this is the icing on the cake, with direct responsibility for influencing tomorrow's RAF.

"The fact that the Recruit Training Squadron does such a good job is shown every passing out parade when very proud parents tell us how much their children have learned during their basic training."

Sqn Ldr Banbrook has served in Cyprus, Bosnia and Kosovo on operational tours and enjoyed postings in Germany and detachments to the United States and Canada.

He keeps close contact with his Swindon roots, and his parents and grandparents still live in the town.