AIR force recruit Matthew Lee has earned his wings with a series of tough training exercises across Europe under his belt.

The 18-year-old from Prestwich has passed his initial training with the RAF Regiment, after being involved in manoeuvres as far afield as Gibraltar and Germany.

The former Heaton Park Primary and Parrenthorn High pupil is a former member of the Bury Air Training Corps Squadron, where he was a sports cadet of the year.

After passing out at RAF Honington, he is now a leading air craftsman (LAC) at RAF Mawgan in Cornwall.

Matthew's mother Patricia Lee said: "We are obviously very proud of him.

"Matthew is doing well at something that he has always wanted to do and was inspired by his time with the air training corps."