THE head of the RAF visited North Yorkshire to meet eight new pilots as they were awarded their flying badges.

It was the first time the Chief of the Air Staff had visited the RAF base at Linton-on-Ouse for a wings ceremony, making the graduation day even more special for the successful pilots.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy took time to talk with the pilots and their families after the presentation yesterday, congratulating them on their achievement.

Matt Clark, spokesman for RAF Linton, said: "Getting your wings is a major milestone and we always try and get somebody special to the ceremony, but this is extra special.

"The graduates have all worked incredibly hard; 14-hour days aren't uncommon and the wings ceremony is a way of saying well done. It's quite a coveted thing to get your wings because less than five per cent of applicants make it to a front line squadron."

Group Captain Mark Hopkins, station commander, said: "The award of the pilot flying badge is a defining moment in any military pilot's career and these eight young men will certainly remember who awarded them theirs."