AIRCRAFTMEN at an RAF base are flying high after landing prizes in a military photographic competition.

The personnel, at RAF Leeming, near Bedale, said they were surprised to land the RAF Photographic Competition awards, as their images had been judged alongside professional photographers employed in all areas of the service.

Senior Aircraftman Mark Parkinson took home top prize in the personnel category with his image of a parade at the North Yorkshire base, as well as earning third place in the RAF Photographer of the Year category.

Senior Aircraftman Phil Dye also had first place success in the technical/engineering category with his image of the inside of a Tornado GR4 Jet Aircraft nose cone.

He said: “It’s the first time I’ve entered the competition being relatively new to the trade and I knew there was a lot of strong competition.

"It’s brilliant that I have been recognised amongst my peers and I’m looking forward to doing even better next year.”

Corporal Paul Oldfield was also recognised in the RAF Photographer of the Year category with a highly commended award.

Sergeant Peter George who manages the RAF Leeming Photographic Section said: “I have been blessed with three of the best military photographers I have ever worked with. Their enthusiasm and work rate is second to none.”

The annual contest aims to encourage high professional standards within the services photographic specialisation and to enhance the positive profile of the RAF.