GIRLS from across the country have been given an insight into the work of the Royal Air Force.

They spent a few days experiencing science and engineering trades at RAF Leeming while rubbing shoulders with serving airmen and women.

The four day residential course was designed to give the 15 and 16-year-olds a taste of RAF life and teamwork whilst providing on-hands experience of the breadth of science and engineering careers available.

Visiting sections across the North Yorkshire station, the girls tried their hand at wiring a tent with lighting, changing the wheel of a Land Rover and conducting functional checks on out of service Tornado GR4 jets.

There was even the opportunity to try out welding, and conducting speed checks with the RAF police.

Squadron Leader Glyn Dean has been working on programmes to encourage more females and ethnic groups into scientific or technological careers for around six years.

She said: “The RAF has an aspiration for our work force to be more reflective of the society we serve – and that means better representation from females and different ethnicities.”

Students on the RAF Leeming course had earned their place by submitting a personal statement. Alongside practical work, they also had to complete workbooks and a presentation.