A TYNEDALE man has received a top RAF award for physical and mental resilience.

Jaimie Self, of Langley-on-Tyne, graduated from the RAF Fire Training College at Moreton-in-Marsh as Leading Aircraftman on October 21 after a 14-week course.

At the ceremony, he received the Robson Academy of Resilience Best in PT Award.

This is awarded to the trainee who has demonstrated a high standard of physical and mental resilience, as well as always encouraging fellow peers to perform to the same high standard.

Jaimie (32), a former pupil at Haydon Bridge High School, is posted to RAF Lossiemouth Fire and Rescue Service, and starts work on Monday (November 1).

Jaimie had previously been in the RAF between 2009 and 2014 as a technician, and then tried his hand at various courses and jobs, including working for Amazon as a parcel delivery driver.

On why he decided to re-join, Jaimie said: "Firefighting was a trade I really found interest in and in civilian life, there wasn't a lot [of jobs] available that I found all that interesting so I decided to re-join and I thought firefighting sounded really fun.

"The training was fantastic. It was excellent."

Jaimie, who played for Tynedale Rugby Club between the ages of 13-19, added: "The award was a surprise because you don't find out who gets it until the actual graduation ceremony.

"It was a really nice bonus."