Michael hits the heights

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

Michael Newsome (23) graduated as a Flying Officer from No 18 Initial Officer Training (IOT) Course at the Officer and Aircrew Cadet Training Unit at RAF Cranwell, near Sleaford in Lincolnshire. 

Michael joined 143 other cadets outside the historic College Hall to parade in front of Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chief of Joint Operations, and Permanent Joint Headquarters (UK). 

Music on the day was provided by the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment and there were flypasts by a Typhoon aircraft from No 3 (F) Squadron, RAF Coningsby.  

Michael, whose parents Richard and Susan still live at Brecks, attended Wickersley School and Sports College before graduating from Oxford University with a Masters in Chemistry.  He joined the RAF in August last year and will soon begin his professional training as a pilot.

A keen sportsman, he enjoys hill walking and climbing.