A ROYAL Air Force officer from Darlington has graduated with flying colours from a training academy.

Flight Lieutenant Joanne Swainston recently completed a specialist course at RAF Cranwell, in Lincolnshire.

At the parade, Miss Swainston, 27, was also presented with the MacRobert Prize, awarded to the cadet who their peers think has made the greatest contribution.

Miss Swainston attended Hummersknott School, Darlington, and the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College. She then attended the University of Liverpool to study law.

Her parents, Geoffrey and Christine, still live in the town.

Miss Swainston has now been posted to Herford, in Germany, and will serve with the Directorate of Legal Services.