AN EX-Honley High School pupil has been presented with a prestigious award from the RAF.

Ross Bryars, 21, of Honley, was awarded the Halton Aircraft Apprentice Trophy after being deemed the best in his intake.

And he is one of only 11 out of 1,400 who applied to become an RAF firefighter to be successful.

The award is given to the “top recruit who demonstrated the best overall standard, effort and determination in physical education.”

Ross, who was part of the intake at RAF Holton, is now training to be a firefighter at RAF Manston in Kent.

His mum Tracy Bryars said: “He has followed in the steps of his uncle, Flt Lt Mark Taylor.

“Watching him receive the award was the best day of my life. I am so proud of him.

“He has worked so hard and done so well.”

Ross was one of 1,400 applicants who looked to join the fire service and was delighted to find out earlier this year that he and just 11 others had been successful.