A FORMER airman has been hailed by his new bosses for his contribution to Britain’s armed forces.

Jonathan Krelle, who lives in Unsworth, now works for the Highways Agency’s Traffic Officer Service, and was honoured at a special ceremony designed to mark this year’s national Veterans Day.

At the ceremony at the Thistle Hotel at Haydock, Merseyside, Jonathan was presented with his national veterans badge by High Sheriff of Merseyside Mrs Judith Greensmith.

Veterans Day, on June 27, was launched last year to ensure that the contribution of veterans both past and present was never forgotten.

Jonathan, aged 39, spent ten years in the RAF as a driver, reaching the rank of corporal and serving in both Afghanistan and Iraq where he helped to supply fuel to battlefield helicopters.

He also became a military parachutist on a small team working to air drop refuelling equipment to helicopters on the front line.

He now works among a team of around 40 traffic officers based at Rochdale serving the M66, M62, M61 and M60 motorways.

Traffic officers were introduced by the Highways Agency to keep drivers on the move by responding to and quickly clearing up anything, such as minor accidents, breakdowns and debris in carriageways. They also assist the police at serious incidents by managing traffic.