Air cadet Ben Cockrem has set his sights set on a career in the RAF after winning a coveted award.

Ben, 16, of Massey Road, Devizes, who is in the lower sixth at St John’s School, Marlborough, was among ten chosen from 100 hopefuls who applied for a scholarship offered by Cotswold Airport in Cirencester.

The eight-day course enabled the youngsters to experience flying in fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, microlights and aerobatic planes.

Ben said: “Most of the flying was done by us – including the aerobatics – and we all logged a couple of hours in the pilot log books we were given.

“We also travelled to RAF Brize Norton, where I landed a C130 in the simulator. I was very pleased I managed a perfect three-point landing.

“We were shown round the control tower at Gloucestershire Airport.”

It got even better for Ben. At the end of the course there was a presentation ceremony and Ben was presented with the propeller trophy given to the scholar of the year.

Ben said: “I couldn’t believe it when they called out my name. I had just had the best time but this was the icing on the cake.”

Now Ben, who is a member of the Devizes squadron of the Air Cadets, is looking to the future.

He said: “I would like a career in aviation, either commercial aircraft or the RAF. It is very expensive training for commercial flight so I might try for the RAF.”