A FORMER pupil of Colne Valley High School has been awarded his graduation certificate after finishing his training at a Shropshire air base.

Sgt Mark Culpan, 25, who was born in Huddersfield and who joined the RAF in 1998 initially as an air traffic assistant, has completed training as an air traffic controller at the Central Air Traffic Control School at RAF Shawbury, near Shrewsbury.

Mark's 115-day course involved training in aerodrome and radar control, air traffic control policy, navigation and meteorology.

He received his certificate from the Royal Navy's Commodore Richard Palmer.

Mark was watched by his parents Stewart and Ann, who live in Golcar.

Also attending the ceremony were his sister Rachel and girlfriend Lorna Jennings.

Mark, who enjoys most team sports and is a keen Huddersfield Town supporter, when he is off-duty, is now posted as a controller at RAF Benson, in Oxfordshire.