A NEWLY-qualified Royal Air Force officer from St. Florence is flying high after recently graduating from a prestigious military college.

Jason Griffiths (40) graduated with distinction as a Flying Officer from No 20 Initial Officer Training (IOT) Course at the Officer and Aircrew Cadet Training Unit at RAF Cranwell, near Sleaford in Lincolnshire.

Jason joined 119 other cadets outside the historic College Hall to parade in front of Air Vice Marshal Mark Green, Air Officer Commanding 22 (Training) Group. Music on the day was provided by the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment and there were flypasts by a Hawk aircraft from RAF Valley and a GR4 Tornado from RAF Lossiemouth.

Jason, whose parents David and Penelope still live in Pembrokeshire, attended Greenhill Comprehensive School, Tenby and graduated from Lincoln University with a Foundation Degree in Engineering Management.

He joined the RAF in 1989 and has served for 21 years as an avionics technician. He saw service in a range of countries, including Iraq, Northern Ireland, Falkland Islands and Cyprus.

Both Jason's father and grandfather - Donald Griffiths MBE - have served in the RAF.

Now that he has graduated as an officer, he will continue with his professional training with the engineering branch.

After the parade, Jason said: "During my 30 weeks training I have been involved in many sporting activities representing the RAF at Inter Services triathlon and the college and squadron at cross country running, volleyball and football. I have also been involved with charity fund-raising, helping to raise over £6,000 for Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance, Help for Heroes and Macmillan Cancer support."

Jason is engaged to Flying Officer Gayle Worthington, who graduated on the same day from the same IOT course. He is a former member of 1284 (Tenby) Squadron Air Training Corps and enjoys taking part in triathlons, playing golf and surfing.