A GREAT Sankey man has overcome an arduous process to fulfil his boyhood dream of graduating with the Royal Air Force.

Aircraftsmen AC Callum Farnan graduated from the Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton during the passing out ceremony of Arnold 690 Intake.

However, the 25-year-old was also honoured after being awarded the Lord Trenchard Trophy for the ‘most outstanding recruit’ on the intake.

This is quite the achievement, with more than 100 recruits in competition for this prestigious award.

“I was so happy to graduate from Recruit Training Squadron as it was always a boyhood dream of mine to join the military,” Callum said.

“To actually graduate was literally a dream come true for me, and something I have worked extremely hard to achieve.

“It definitely was a shock to me that I won the Lord Trenchard award.

“Every recruit that made it through worked extremely hard, so to be recognised as the best was a very proud moment and solidified that I chose the right career path.

“My family are extremely proud of me for graduating from the Recruit Training Squadron as they know it has been my goal for a very long time.

“They have supported me, especially my girlfriend Laura, every step of the way, and I am very grateful to them for helping me through everything.”

RAF Halton is the gateway to the service for the majority of all RAF personnel, and it has been the home of Recruit Training Squadron since 1993.

RAF recruits undertake a demanding 10-week course of physical and theory modules in which they are introduced to the traditions, ethos and values of service life that provide the foundation of the modern, technologically advanced and highly capable RAF.

Certain standards have to be met in attitude, discipline, kit, uniform, knowledge, drill, weapons handling, first aid, decision making, teamwork and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence.

Every recruit that comes through Halton has to meet these high standards in order to progress to their phase two training.

Callum is now undertaking a six-month course as a physical training instructor and hopes to graduate from here, where he would become a fully qualified instructor.

The graduation parade marks the end of recruit training and provides a memorable day for the recruits, their families and all those at RAF Halton.

Reviewing officer for the parade was chief of the air staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, who offered his congratulations to graduates.

He said: “Today, you have demonstrated your commitment to your country and nation and have proved yourselves worthy members of the Royal Air Force.

“My sincere congratulations on everything you have achieved. The future of the next generation RAF is in safe hands”.

RAF Halton is home to approximately 2,100 personnel from all three services, foreign military, contractors and civilians, making Halton a diverse team that works together to ensure excellence in the delivery of training.